| Panama has become the country of choice for many | | | | roads, Internet access, cable television, good cell phone |
| Americans seeking a second home for vacation, | | | | reception, and availability of many American-style |
| retirement, or investment. This tropical paradise in | | | | products and services. In Central America it is the |
| Central America has great appeal because of its | | | | most industrialized country. |
| proximity to the U.S. and its value-priced real estate. | | | | The wide array of properties offered in Panama suits |
| Panama boasts a hospitable attitude toward | | | | all tastes, from luxurious high-rise apartments to tropical |
| foreigners, low population density, and almost zero | | | | beachfront condos, to breezy mountain retreats. |
| violent crime. The U.S. dollar is used as the currency, | | | | Because the country borders both the Caribbean Sea |
| making currency exchange a non-issue. And many | | | | and the Pacific Ocean, much of the real estate |
| major cities in the U.S. offer direct flights to Panama, | | | | promoted as second homes offers desirable |
| including Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, | | | | waterfront views and beach access. |
| Raleigh-Durham, Orlando and Miami. | | | | In addition, developers in Panama are embracing the |
| Perhaps most enticing of all are the low prices for | | | | condo hotel concept, which allows investors to have |
| homes in Panama. Highly-desirable real estate can be | | | | deeded ownership to condominium suites located |
| purchased for less than one third or one half what | | | | within four- and five-star resorts. These resorts offer |
| they might pay for comparable property in the U.S. | | | | amenities such as spas, pools, restaurants, concierge |
| For retirees, Panama is particularly attractive because | | | | services and more. If the owners choose not to live in |
| of the outstanding incentives offered to seniors. | | | | their units year round, the hotel management can |
| Retirees are eligible for substantial discounts of 10% to | | | | assist with renting the unit out, enabling the owner to |
| 50% on a variety of services and necessities, including | | | | generate revenue from the property. |
| utility bills, airline tickets, doctor's bills, dental and eye | | | | A $5.2 billion expansion of the Panama Canal currently |
| exams, medicines, hotels, restaurants, transportation, | | | | underway has created a sudden surge of interest in |
| movie theaters, and cultural and sporting events. | | | | Panamanian property. The entire country will likely |
| Panama also has excellent health care with many of | | | | benefit from this expansion, and it's also speculated |
| its doctors U.S. trained. | | | | that real estate--especially property near the canal--will |
| For younger buyers, such as baby boomers looking for | | | | appreciate significantly. |
| vacation homes or professionals who utilize global | | | | With a low cost of living, high quality of life and |
| technology as they work from remote offices, | | | | tempting real estate values, Panama is fast establishing |
| Panama offers an attractive infrastructure similar to | | | | itself as one of the premier places to own a second |
| that of North America. It boasts modern airports and | | | | home. |