Van Hohe, Chief Experience Officer at CHORD Real Estate, spent nearly three decades touring internationally with major music festivals and artists, experiencing business environments across continents and evaluating cities worldwide. Despite this extensive global background, his initial reaction when business partners suggested expanding into Panama was blunt disbelief. After persistent encouragement and finally visiting Panama himself, Hohe underwent a complete transformation from skeptic to advocate, revealing insights valuable for business leaders considering international opportunities.
Hohe's role focuses on creating memorable experiences for clients, requiring understanding what makes locations genuinely compelling rather than simply marketed well. Panama delivered authenticity that promotional materials couldn't capture. "I showed up nervous, because I flew in alone. I didn't know what I was walking into. And I fell in love," he says. The revelation wasn't about finding something cheap or undiscovered, but rather discovering 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. "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 explains. The neighborhood transforms as day shifts to evening, with music starting up and the aromas from cafes and restaurants creating an atmosphere Hohe describes as unparalleled. This cultural authenticity reflected genuine community life that happens to welcome visitors and new residents rather than existing solely for them.
One element that particularly impressed Hohe was Panama's approach to international visitors and investors. His global touring experience included markets where Americans faced resentment or were viewed primarily as revenue sources. Panama felt different. "There is a love of all peoples there. Everybody seems to be welcome. No matter what country you're from, when you're in Panama, you're Panamanian. That's how it feels," Hohe notes. This inclusive culture extends beyond hospitality marketing into genuine business and social integration, with Panama's economy having incorporated international business and investment for generations, creating frameworks where foreign participation feels normal rather than exceptional or exploitative.
The country's use of the U.S. dollar reinforces this integration, making financial transactions feel familiar rather than foreign and eliminating the psychological barrier of constant currency calculation that exists in other international markets. Hohe's transformation from skeptic to advocate happened quickly once he experienced Panama directly, with his post-visit enthusiasm reflecting a gap between perception and reality that only direct exposure can bridge.
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, and the lifestyle quality those properties enable 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 understand Panama as an investment destination. More information is available at chordrealestate.com/investpanamasummit.
