Learn more at the free Invest Panama Preview Webinar on March 19th at 6:00 PM CST: chordrealestate.com/investpanamasummit
Van Hohe admits he initially thought his business partners had “lost their minds” when they suggested CHORD Real Estate expand into international investment. As someone who had never considered leaving his home state, the concept of guiding clients toward Panama real estate seemed far-fetched.
Then he visited. His perspective changed completely.
“I showed up nervous, because I flew in alone. I didn’t know what I was walking into. And I fell in love,” Hohe recalls. As CHORD’s Chief Experience Officer, his role centers on creating memorable client experiences. Panama delivered beyond expectations.
More Than Investment Returns
Hohe’s initial skepticism stemmed from unfamiliarity rather than informed analysis. “I had never even considered any concept of leaving the state, right? Never even considered it,” he explains. His partners persisted for over a year, insisting he needed to see Panama firsthand before dismissing the opportunity.
The visit revealed what promotional materials and data couldn’t convey. The experience economy drives much of modern luxury consumption, and Panama offered something American markets simply cannot replicate.
“It’s like if I were to envision it from a U.S. standpoint, I would say it was like morphing the French Quarter in New Orleans with what I imagine to be old Havana,” Hohe describes when characterizing Casco Viejo, Panama City’s historic district that became his favorite area.
The Universal Welcome
One factor that surprised Hohe was Panama’s inclusive culture. “There is a love of all peoples there. So there’s not this concern about being an American citizen going into certain countries where with people’s opinions on politics or whatever, everybody seems to be welcome,” he notes.
This atmosphere extends beyond tourists to investors and potential residents. “No matter what country you’re from, when you’re in Panama, you’re Panamanian. That’s how it feels,” Hohe explains, emphasizing the comfort level this creates for Americans considering international investment.
The country’s use of the U.S. dollar eliminates a significant psychological barrier. Currency conversion calculations and exchange rate risk disappear, making financial transactions feel familiar rather than foreign.
The Day and Night Dynamic
Panama City offers distinct experiences across different times of day. Hohe appreciated the daytime activities, favorable weather, and outdoor opportunities. But evenings particularly impressed him.
“In the evening, the music starts up. You get all the smells start happening with all the cafes and the food that’s happening. And my goodness, there’s nothing like it,” he recalls. “My favorite is Old Town, the Casco Viejo.”
The neighborhood’s blend of historic architecture, contemporary restaurants, live music venues, and plaza-centered social life created an atmosphere Hohe found nowhere in American cities, including Nashville where CHORD maintains its primary office.
From Skeptic to Advocate
Hohe’s transformation from skeptic to enthusiastic advocate reflects a pattern CHORD sees repeatedly with clients. Preconceptions about international investment, often based on limited or outdated information, rarely survive direct exposure to Panama’s realities.
“I’m telling all my friends, you know, I’m like, you have to come with me. We just have to go. The food, the people, the vibe,” Hohe says, describing his post-visit reaction.
His advice for those considering Panama mirrors his own journey: suspend assumptions and experience it directly. “What’s there not to enjoy? Right. My goodness. This place,” he reflects.
For investors focused purely on financial metrics, Hohe’s perspective adds a dimension often missing from real estate analysis. Properties purchased for investment purposes may eventually serve personal use. The lifestyle quality of those properties matters, particularly for buyers considering retirement or extended stays.
CHORD Real Estate created its Invest Panama Summit specifically to provide the firsthand exposure that changed Hohe’s perspective. The three-day event scheduled for May 28-30, 2026, brings potential investors to Panama City for property tours, expert presentations, and cultural experiences.
Before committing to the trip, interested investors can attend CHORD’s free webinar on March 19th at 6:00 PM CST to learn about Panama as an investment destination and what the summit experience entails. Reserve your spot for the free March 19th webinar or learn more about the May 28-30 Invest Panama Summit at chordrealestate.com/investpanamasummit or contact [email protected].
Disclosure: Individuals or companies mentioned may have a commercial relationship with KeyCrew.
