Panama: What the Realtors Don't Want You to Know

Panama too Expensive?
Complete Bull!

“You can still find great apartments in Panama City
for less than $70,000 and live well on $1200 per month!”

Dear Reader,

Over the last two years, we've been hearing rumblings that Panama has gotten too expensive … that it's no longer a good deal. And we've heard that not only from readers, but also from a few staff members. 

So here's where we set the record straight.

The Panama that's been our favorite for years deserves a broader approach. A fresh look … a deeper look.

Panama has long been the prime choice for retirees, second-home buyers, and property investors alike. Readers have retired in style, enjoyed terrific vacation homes, and made money. The country deserved the #1 spot on our Global Retirement Index for six straight years. It’s been a winner.

But we decided to dig deeper … to broaden the appeal of this successful destination.

Our work paid off.

Yes, we’re still well-connected to the premium property market that has made Panama a mainstay with property buyers and investors from around the world. The Panama that offers the luxury of Miami at a fraction of the price is still there … and it’s still booming.

But we’ve gone a step further.

We’ve tapped into the local market and found investment and lifestyle properties that are so affordable many people thought they were gone. Properties marketed to the local buyer rather than the foreign buyer, including:

• Apartments in Panama City for less than $70,000.
• Prime building lots on the edge of town starting at $25,000.
• Good rental apartments starting at $350 per month
• Beachfront lots on the shimmering Pacific at $125,000 for almost an acre … with small beachfront parcels starting at an amazing $38,000!
• A rolling green 10 acre farm in the hills of Chiriquí for just $30,000.

Expensive? No … it’s a bargain.

It’s the hidden, affordable Panama. A place where you can still live on $1200 per month.

What’s more, the 20-year property tax exemption is back, and the government recently returned to giving 90-day tourist entry to US citizens. The pensioners’ visa is still easy to obtain, while delivering one of the best retirement packages in the world.

And there’s more … take a look why people are choosing Panama today

• It’s close to the US;  less than three hours from Miami on an inexpensive flight
• Panama boasts high quality health care at a fraction of what you’d pay at home
• The government offers the world’s  best retiree discount and benefit program
• Panama uses the US dollar, protecting its residents from the dollar’s decline
• Panama is geographically diverse, with mountains, beaches, the region's largest percentage of unspoiled rain forest, and good city living. The property market is liquid, and has provided good rental and capital returns
• The people are lovely, friendly and welcoming … the #1 reason for settling here

And the best part? You can relax … knowing that your retirement is comfortable and secure, and that your money will stretch a long way.

Today, there is more happening in Panama than I could possibly share with you in a letter like this. That's why I'm inviting you to listen in to what was said behind closed doors at a meeting in Panama this summer.

Fast Track Panama Package
Live from the Live and Invest in Panama Seminar
July 31 to August 2, 2008

Discover the hidden, affordable Panama

Hosted by IL Publisher Dan Prescher and Panama Insider editor, Jessica Ramesch

When you listen in, you’ll discover everything you need to know
about Panama to decide if it’s your ideal haven… and you’ll have all the knowledge and contacts necessary to make it happen with confidence.

You’ll see a broad view of an affordable
Panama that few outsiders know about

• Find the security that comes with knowing exactly how you can “live like a local”—comfortably—on a budget of $1200 per month.  Rent included!
• Discover the five top neighborhoods where you can save thousands—tens of thousands—by buying properties on the local market.
• See examples and photos of comfortable apartments you can rent for less than $500 per month. Some as low as $350 per month!
• Learn the true value of the luxury properties still available at a fraction of the price of Miami.
• Cash in on the experience of the real estate experts who led the way to properties that provided excellent investment returns for their owners.

Protect yourself from the dollar’s decline Panama is one of a few countries that use the US dollar as their legal currency. When you live or invest in Panama, you’re expenses will never be hit by the dollar’s fall… which has caused cost-of-living increases of up to 90% for some expats in countries with other currencies.

• Explore Panama’s lush interior, with cool breezes and long mountain views. You’ll be the first to learn of our latest discoveries, including a region where we found prime land going for just $32,000 for a 2 ½ acre parcel!
• Gain the upper hand by knowing the coastal real estate market … from the beautiful beach resorts to little-known hideaways where you can still get a pristine beachfront lot for an amazing $38,000.
• Be prepared and confident, with all the practical matters at your fingertips. From residency to taxes, from banking to real estate, you’ll leave the conference ready to take action.
• And perhaps most importantly, you’ll benefit from the experience of those who have gone before you. At this conference you’ll hear from more seasoned Panama expats than ever before.

You’ll come away with more focused, on-target information than we’ve ever pulled together for a single Panama event.

And it’s a broader, deeper coverage that unmasks more of the real estate market than has ever been seen before.

Discover a relaxed, rewarding lifestyle by exploring a side of Panama that is just coming to light

Imagine yourself sitting in a sidewalk café, settling down to read the morning paper, in English. The premium Panamanian coffee is fragrant and hot, and the fresh-made carimañolas are barely cool enough to eat. The smell of baking bread and coffee wafts over the neighborhood.

True, at $2.00 per pound, you could have made the coffee at home for pennies. But this way, you can enjoy watching the locals bustle by as you soak in the brilliant freshness brought on by the overnight rains.

After just one more steaming cup, stroll to the nearest bookstore and study the titles available in English or buy tickets to a show at the national theater for only $5. Maybe later you can take in the matinee at the movies for less than $3.00.

The modern supermarket is full of juicy tropical fruits and fresh vegetables, at “locally grown” prices. But it also has the niceties that you’ve grown accustomed to over the years ... fancy cheeses, tapenades, or cuts of meat.

Feel like eating out? A healthy, three-course executive lunch is available just about anywhere for $3.00.

Maybe this Friday, a weekend retreat is in order ... perhaps to El Valle, to enjoy the cool mountain breezes. The ride out there (on an air-conditioned bus) will set you back only $4.00, while a clean room is just $15 for the night. Take in the flowers, plants, and handicrafts at one of Panama’s biggest open-air markets, walk the trails at Cerro El Gaital nature preserve, or cool off under the 120-foot waterfall known as Chorro El Macho. 

Prefer the beach? From Panama City you can pack a picnic and take the $10 (round-trip) ferry ride to Taboga Island for the day. Known as the “island of flowers,” Taboga features hiking trails and a wildlife refuge, plus a homey little village and beach.

The choice is yours … as it is every day.

And the best part of all this is that you’re spending only $1200 a month. A budget that would barely let you leave your former home up north to venture out into the sleet.

All because you’ve found the hidden Panama…a life that few foreigners have discovered.

At July’s Live and Invest in Panama seminar,
we proved you can live this lifestyle
on $1,200 per month—including rent!

Imagine the confidence you’ll have going forward as our Panama team lays the groundwork for your adventure abroad:

• Discover the reality of your new lifestyle as we present an actual budget that itemizes each cost.
• Explore the neighborhoods and regions with our local insiders, who will show you plenty of real estate examples along the way.
• Find out where to shop to get the best prices and which modern stores offer the best selection.
• Experience the getaways the local expats enjoy around the country without breaking the budget.
• Get ready to get out on the town and have a good time, as we show you what there is to do for just a few dollars … or even free!

This information would take years to collect without the local, inside contacts we’ve pulled together for this seminar.

Cool breezes and long mountain views
can be yours in Panama’s lush highlands

There’s more to Panama than good city living.

Not far from Panama City, you’ll discover luxuriant green mountains, vast stretches of rolling farmland and the small towns that form Panama’s heartland.

Here you’ll see few tourists. Instead you’ll discover rushing streams, expansive views, and pure mountain air … a fresh climate, all year long.

Enjoy long walks in the forest, quietly watching the thousands of species of plants, birds, and wildlife. Take pleasure in the tumble of a wild river, the peace of a quiet glade, or the thrill of coming across a waterfall in the forest.

Maybe you’ll spend the afternoon swapping tales with fellow expats in Boquete… a town that AARP has recognized as one of the world’s top retirement havens. Or perhaps you'll follow our lead and look to less-developed areas nearby, with quiet village streets, local shops, and lower property prices.

Want to be closer to Panama City? We've discovered little-known developments at high elevations just a short drive from the city and the best Pacific beaches. With extremely inexpensive properties and unspoiled natural settings, these areas are sure to grow in popularity.

If you’d like to get away from it all, we’ve discovered
incredible deals in the rolling hills of Panama’s interior

If you are seeking a rural country property—one that’s not part of an organized community or even necessarily in a town—Panama's interior has a lot to offer. In fact, in the Chiriquí province we just found a small 10-acre ranch on offer for only $30,000 … and a 30-acre ranch for only $80,000 … and 15 acres for just $40,000. Deals that most realtors don’t even know about.

Panama is the place for good country living. But you won’t have to give up the comfort of the solid Panamanian infrastructure, stable government, or strong, dollarized economy.

This beautiful 10.2 acres of rolling hills is on offer for only $30,000.

The Panama countryside offers the expat some solid choices when it comes to lifestyle and cost of living. You decide just how connected or removed you want to be from the rest of the world, and know that you’ll live for a fraction of the cost that you would back home.

But whether you choose an upscale planned community, a home in town or a ranch in the country, you can rest assured that good medical care, fellow expats and all of your material needs are not far away.

It’s one of the many advantages of living in a tiny country that offers big value.

Listen to the Live and Invest in Panama seminar recordings
to get a clear and concise picture of life in the interior,
and what it costs to settle there

• Explore the exciting regions and the latest hot spots where today’s bargains are hitting the market.
• Discover properties in every price range, representing every lifestyle, from tasteful communities, to small country estates, to expansive ranches available for pennies on the dollar.
• Most importantly, meet the people who live there now. Learn what it’s like first hand.

You’d spend lots of your precious time and money to see this side of Panama on your own.

At the Live and Invest in Panama seminar, we gathered the experts from all of Panama’s regions… in one place … at the same time.

Panama’s dazzling coastline has emerging opportunities
that you’ll be among the first to see

For many expats, the best part of Panama is its beaches. The country boasts more than 1000 miles of Pacific and Caribbean coastline, and some of the world’s most dazzling white sand beaches. The weather is always warm and balmy. So no matter what time of year you choose to come, you can enjoy the sand, surf, and the great outdoors.

Panama’s coast offers a wide variety of alternatives. Just choose your favorite—luxury condos, scenic beach communities, or a casita in a tiny beach town, where the neighbors are friendly locals and foreigners are few.

Treat yourself to a luxury, all-inclusive lifestyle
right in your own backyard

Perhaps you want to pamper yourself in a resort community, with spa treatments, an on-site gym, a sparkling infinity pool, and aerobics … all at your fingertips. Some communities also offer shopping, planned activities, and nightly entertainment—including shows and dancing. Here you’ll enjoy an active beachside lifestyle—day and night—without having to leave the property or own a car.

Is golf more your style? An ever-increasing number of seaside communities offer rolling green golf courses as well as white sand beaches … the best of both worlds.

And this luxury lifestyle will cost you a fraction of what you’d pay in the rest of the world, while bringing high-return rental opportunities.

Relax in a beachfront setting that gives you more land
and keeps you close to nature

Maybe you’d prefer to be closer to nature … a larger property with trees, wildlife and a bit of space around you. A community with clubhouse … maybe a stable.

Coastal Panama offers beach communities that are reminiscent of a nature preserve, with expansive lots and small crescent beaches at the forest’s edge. Here you can enjoy hiking, fishing, and nature-watching, while treasuring your peace and tranquility.

Best of all, some of these projects sell for one-tenth the price (per square meter) of the denser projects closer to Panama City.

In every crowd, there are a handful of people
who just like to “go it alone”

Almost 100 feet of fine-sand beachfront for only $125,000.

To adventurers like you, amenities are less important than the magic of immersion in a new culture. You want to blend into the local community and become a part of Panama.

Imagine waking to the sound of the crashing waves. Then take a moment to enjoy a fresh-squeezed tropical fruit juice and a cup of rich coffee before heading to the local market. Along the way, you’ll stop to chat with friends and catch up on the latest news around town.

This afternoon, it’s off to the beach. Sure, there are no seaside amenities: just the beach umbrella over your shoulder and the cooler you’re carrying.  After all, peace and quiet is why you’re here … you want no sounds that didn’t come from nature.

And the best part of this new life is what it cost to make it happen. We’ve found small properties on the beach for as little as $38,000, in locations where you could live on $1,200 per month.

When you listen to the Live and Invest in Panama seminar recordings,
you'll discover the three faces of the Panamanian coast

The all-inclusive life of luxury … stately, country-coastal living … and how to buy and live like a local.

When you listen to the Live and Invest in Panama seminar recordings, you will;

• Explore the latest breaking property markets.
• Analyze the current trends; not only among expats but among locals as well.
• Learn of real properties that are on the market today.

There’s no better way to begin your exploration of coastal Panama than from the comfort and convenience of your own living room!

The next boom has begun …
with yet another opportunity to invest
in the expanding property market

Luxury condos at Villa del Mar project, by Empresas Bern

The boom continues. The expansion of the Panama Canal—a mega project launched just months ago—is one of many multimillion dollar projects expected to fuel the economy and the property market over the next years.

This is a market that has performed extremely well for property investors over the last six years, and is still providing handsome returns and respectable gains for buyers today.

But today’s opportunities are not where they were six years ago … or even two years ago. The marketplace has moved on—evolved.

At Live and Invest in Panama, the experts who led the way through Panama’s incredible boom showed us the latest trends in the hottest, upcoming areas.

Don’t get me wrong. These market specialists did not come to give investment advice, and they didn ’t intend to make promises about performance.

But what they did was give us the benefit of their know-how and experience … the same expertise that led the way through this incredible market so far.

There’s no better place than Panama right now
for owning a rental property, and we’ll show you the way

The economy is powerful in Panama, and people are coming from all over the world to share in the economic opportunity. Unfortunately, the hotel industry hasn’t kept up. There’s a critical shortage of hotel rooms in Panama City today.

But this shortage has created a terrific opportunity for property owners and investors to cash in on what’s now the region’s hottest rental market. Occupancy is at an all-time high, and rental returns are enviable.

When you listen to the Live and Invest in Panama recordings, you’ll learn where to buy, what to buy, and what kind of returns to expect when managing a rental property in Panama.

If you want to get in on one of the world’s premier property markets—one that has been good to investors for years—then there’s no better opportunity to gain access to so much expertise … in one place, at the same time.

Whether you’re retiring or buying a second home … investing or starting that new life
you’ve always dreamed of … these recordings
will deliver exactly what you need

People are coming to Panama for various reasons. But believe me: we’ve got all the bases covered.

• See how little it really costs to live in Panama. Not via some theoretical budget, but by listening to the people who are already doing it.
• Know the markets, by learning all about the latest hot spots on the Panama real estate scene. Not from some agent’s listing, but by hearing from the IL contacts who have  traveled to see these areas first-hand.
• Get in early on the newest emerging markets. Not by listening to salespeople, but by taking advantage of our market analysts’ extensive experience.
• Learn what it takes to start up a business. Not from a book, but from expats who have come down and done it themselves … and done it well.
• Know the ropes with banks, corporations, trusts, while learning to unlock the secrets of Panama’s solid, renowned financial system. Hear it from the professionals who are already guiding your fellow expats.
• Learn how to finance your purchase in Panama, whether from a bank or from your own IRA. Expert—and certified—financial planners and banking specialists will be on hand to show you the way.

Get the whole picture, not just the fluff. Taxes, insurance, and visas are not the fun part of being an expat. But you need to know this part of the story before you take your next step in Panama. Our trusted professionals will deliver the information you need.

More than 50 experts

Here are just a few of the people who made up our staff for this groundbreaking seminar.

Jessica Ramesch
Jessica is a seasoned expat who now lives in Panama. As editor of Panama Insider she spends her days writing about Panama's best areas and opportunities. She is a true Panama insider … and co-host of this Live and Invest in Panama seminar.

Jessica not only lives and works in Panama herself, but spends most of her time scouring the country for IL readers seeking a new life abroad. She’s already forged her way in Panama, and has the experience and first-hand knowledge that will get your own transition off to a smooth start.

Ronan McMahon
Keeping far ahead of the pack when it comes to real estate markets, Ronan was the guiding force that led readers to the explosive opportunities of recent years in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and of course, Panama. As Executive Director of Pathfinder, Ltd., Ronan gave his analysis of the real estate market situation in Panama, identifying the current hot spots … and the future opportunities.

Robert E. Bauman, JD
Bob Bauman is one of the world’s leading authorities on offshore asset protection and privacy preservation. He is editor of the Sovereign Society’s Offshore A-letter, and a highly respected author of a wide range of publications including The Complete Guide to Offshore Residency, Dual Citizenship and Second Passports, the Offshore Money Manual, and the Oxford Club’s Wealth Protection Series.

Bob gave us the insider’s picture of the offshore landscape as no one else can, and unlock the mysteries of Panama as the world’s #1 financial haven.

Rainelda Mata-Kelly, legal counsel
When it comes to residency, tax law, corporations, trusts, banking, and real estate, there is no better authority in Panama.

Rainelda will bring you up to speed with the practical information you need to know if you’re planning to retire, buy a property, or start up business. And if you’re setting up offshore accounts, corporations, or trusts, hearing what Rainelda has to say is indispensable.

Richard Luchsinger
As a Certified Financial Planner and Associate Director of Sovereign International Asset Management, Rich brings more than 25 years experience to the table as a licensed financial professional.

He has arranged for people to legally use their IRA to buy overseas real estate all over the world. He also specializes in managing offshore investments and asset protection. At Live and Invest in Panama, Rich revealed some little-known financial secrets that will open up possibilities that you may not know existed.

And what’s more, you’ll get firsthand information on:

• Panama’s world-class health care, presented by Dr. Angel Alvarado
• Learning Spanish for enjoyment and business, by Joseph Ennis
• Panama investment opportunities, presented by Rodrigo González, of Panama’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• Financing real estate in Panama, presented by officials of two giants in worldwide banking: HSBC and Scotiabank
• Insurance needs, presented by Dorothy Sing of Alianza Insurance.
• And many, many more…

Our seasoned professional experts will deliver the on-target information you need to get the real picture about living, buying or starting up a business in Panama.

To discover the real hidden Panama, you need to hear from people like yourself—those who have gone before you

At this Live and Invest in Panama, we’ve invited an unprecedented number of expats who have bought second homes, retired, or started up a business in Panama. Men and women who just a short time ago, were in the same position that you are today.

You’ll meet people like Cynthia Cudmore-Mulder. A former resident of Canada, Australia, Curaçao, Japan, and the Netherlands Antilles, Cynthia has the experience to make a sound choice when she decided to settle down and call Panama home.

As manager of design, construction, logistics, and development of her Cerrito Tropical Vacation Apartments on nearby Taboga Island, Cynthia was happy to share her secrets of success at the seminar.

Jon Nickel is always a popular speaker, and a model of the successful expat and early retiree. Jon and his wife Gretchen moved to Panama City, and remodeled their stunning waterfront apartment. You’ll enjoy listening to this dynamic couple and you’ll benefit greatly from sharing their experience in Panama.

Jennifer King had an idea and a good dose of entrepreneurial spirit. She combined those with the plentiful opportunities in Panama and came up with a pet-friendly Bed and Breakfast that drew people from all parts, all year long. Today, she’s managing pet-friendly apartment rentals.

If you want to know what it takes to start up and run a successful business, you don’t want to miss meeting Jennifer.

And these successful expats are just the start. This conference gave center stage to more expat speakers than ever before. This firsthand information is worth its weight in gold.

Why Panama? Here’s what expats are telling us
as they make the move:

• Panama is known around the world as a top banking and financial haven
• You’ll pay no tax on income from outside Panama
• It’s the Hub of the Americas, with convenient flights not only to the US, but to many points around the world
• Panama is hurricane-free! And is free from most other natural disasters as well
• The cost of living is low, but the quality of life is high
• Properties are inexpensive, but with high construction standards
• The 20-year property tax exemption is now offering big savings for residential properties
• Property investors have profited from one of the world’s best property markets
• Panama offers a solid infrastructure including many of the services—even franchises—that you’re used to

And the list goes on and on…

This conference was an exceptional opportunity.
This depth, breadth, and diversity of lifestyles
hasn’t been seen until now

You’ll see all sides of Panama. From the luxury waterfront lifestyle, to a comfortable and enjoyable way of life that you can manage on a social security check. From the lush green mountains, to the dazzling beaches, to a city life that’s hard to beat anywhere.

Think about it. If you had to gather this information on your own, you’d spend thousands of dollars, and months of your time to do it. After knocking on doors, searching the internet, sitting in lawyers’ offices, and hanging out with real estate agents, it would still be impossible to assemble the body of knowledge that we’ve pulled together for this conference.

Frankly,the Fast Track Panama Package is a good investment of time and money for anyone who’s considering Panama … well worth every penny you’ll pay to listen in.

For only $399 you'll get :

• Audio recordings in mp3 format of all the sessions and workshops
• Contact details for reliable real estate sources, business contacts, fellow expats, and professional legal resources
• Slideshows of any conference presentations in pdf format

Ordering is easy: just follow the link to our secure, online order form.  

This is your best chance to use the hidden Panama to fulfill your dream. Whether it’s to:

• Enjoy a comfortable, secure retirement,
• Own a second home in a warm, sunny climate,
• Start that business you’ve been dreaming about, or
• Invest in one of the world’s best-performing property markets …

… this conference recordings will have the content to fit your needs in a way like none has before.

Sincerely,

Dan Prescher
Publisher, International Living