Van Hohe spent nearly three decades touring internationally with major music festivals and artists, experiencing business environments across continents and evaluating cities worldwide. When his business partners at CHORD Real Estate suggested expanding into Panama, his initial response was blunt skepticism about international real estate investment. After persistent encouragement, Hohe agreed to visit Panama, and that single trip transformed his perspective completely.
As CHORD's Chief Experience Officer, Hohe evaluates opportunities through a lens that extends beyond spreadsheets, focusing on creating memorable experiences for clients by understanding what makes locations genuinely compelling. Panama delivered authenticity that promotional materials couldn't capture, offering something American markets fundamentally cannot replicate: a sophisticated urban environment combined with untouched natural beauty, all wrapped in a culture that genuinely welcomes international participation.
Hohe's favorite discovery was Casco Viejo, Panama City's meticulously restored historic district, which he describes as morphing the French Quarter in New Orleans with what he imagines to be old Havana. The neighborhood features colonial Spanish architecture housing contemporary restaurants, artisan boutiques, and live music venues surrounding plaza spaces where community life unfolds naturally. This wasn't tourist theater or manufactured charm but reflected genuine community life that happens to welcome visitors and new residents.
One element that particularly impressed Hohe was Panama's approach to international visitors and investors, contrasting with markets where Americans faced resentment or were viewed primarily as revenue sources. Panama's inclusive culture extends beyond hospitality marketing into genuine business and social integration, with an economy that has incorporated international business and investment for generations, creating frameworks where foreign participation feels normal rather than exceptional. The country's use of the U.S. dollar reinforces this integration, making financial transactions feel familiar rather than foreign.
Hohe's transformation from skeptic to advocate happened quickly once he experienced Panama directly, leading him to enthusiastically recommend the destination to friends. This evangelical enthusiasm from someone initially dismissive of international investment reflects a gap between perception and reality that only direct exposure can bridge. Panama provided the context Hohe needed to evaluate international real estate as a personal opportunity rather than just places to work.
For investors focused purely on financial metrics, Hohe's perspective adds a dimension often missing from real estate analysis. Properties purchased for investment may eventually serve personal use, making lifestyle quality particularly important 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, with the three-day event scheduled for May 28-30, 2026, bringing 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 understand Panama as an investment destination. More information about the summit experience is available at chordrealestate.com/investpanamasummit.
