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Brews & Views: Exploring El Valle’s Best Coffee Hangouts
Margaritaville Panama FAQs
Panama's QIPR and Independent Means Visas Poised for a Record Year
August 2024 Real Estate Update with Matt Marx and Kent Davis
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Drone view from Home for sale in El Valle

Brews & Views: Exploring El Valle’s Best Coffee Hangouts

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Panama Equity

Posted in Blog, Culture, Exploring & Living in Panama, Food and Shopping, Blog On

El Valle de Antón is a cool, chill mountain town that’s perfect for kicking back with a great cup of coffee. If you’re on the hunt for your next caffeine fix, you’re in the right place. As El Valle Panama real estate agents, we’re always looking for a great spot to “charge up” before showing a property so today you are in luck! We’ll be sharing our top spots to grab a coffee in El Valle—from the laid-back vibes at Pausa Café and the artsy feel of Kare Café to the local favorite Carlitos. Each spot has something special, so let’s dive in! Pausa Cafe Pausa Cafe may be small, but it’s a great spot for coffee and food. The cozy atmosphere is perfect for relaxing or catching up with friends. The eggplant sandwich is a standout—so good that people say they’d come back to El Valle just for it. The mango smoothie is also a hit, fresh and tasty. With its friendly service, Pausa Cafe is a go-to place for both locals and visitors. Kare Coffee Kare Coffee is a great spot for coffee lovers, offering expertly brewed coffee, tasty snacks, and light meals. The outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying the fresh air, and the relaxed atmosphere is complemented by reliable Wi-Fi and pleasant music. It’s a favorite for both locals and visitors. Don’t miss the cappuccino, mochaccino, and lemon pie—they’re all delicious! In comparison, While both Kare Coffee and Pausa cafe focus on quality coffee and snacks, Kare Coffee stands out with its outdoor-oriented, laid-back vibe. Carlitos Carlitos is a fantastic spot for a relaxed meal and a great cup of coffee. Known for its friendly atmosphere and tasty food, it offers a mix of local favorites and comfort dishes. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, enjoying a quick bite, or hanging out with friends, the cozy setting and welcoming staff make it a top choice. Unlike Pausa Cafe and Kare Coffee, which focus mainly on coffee and light snacks, Carlitos provides a full dining experience with hearty meals as well. So, if you’re in El Valle and want both a good coffee and a satisfying meal, Carlitos is definitely worth checking out. We recommend the pizzas! Cafe Unido Cafe Unido is a stylish spot known for its high-quality coffee and modern vibe. Unlike Pausa Cafe and Kare Coffee, which focus on cozy atmospheres and light meals, Cafe Unido emphasizes a more contemporary, café culture experience. The space is sleek and chic, with a focus on specialty coffee blends and a variety of brewing methods. It’s a great place for coffee aficionados looking to explore different flavors and enjoy a more refined coffee experience. Compared to Carlitos, which offers a broader menu including hearty meals, Cafe Unido is more focused on delivering an exceptional coffee experience in a stylish setting. El Valle has some great spots for coffee and food, each with its own vibe. Pausa Cafe and Kare Coffee are perfect for a relaxed coffee break with tasty snacks. Carlitos offers a mix of hearty meals and good coffee, making it a solid choice for a full meal. Cafe Unido stands out with its modern style and focus on specialty coffee, great for those who love exploring different flavors. Whatever you’re in the mood for, El Valle has something for everyone!

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Margaritaville Playa Caracol Panama condos for sale

Margaritaville Panama FAQs

By

Panama Equity

Posted in Blog, Culture, Lifestyle, Blog On

There has been so much buzz inside of Panama and internationally about Margaritaville coming that we decided it might be a good idea to put everything about this mega brand into one article. So without further adieu, here is everything you need to know about Margaritaville and their new Margaritaville Beach Resort & Residences Playa Caracol. What is Margaritaville? For context, Margaritaville is actually a song written by Jimmy Buffett in 1977. It speaks to a laid back lifestyle and the idea of living with an iconic beach vibe 365 days of the year. The success of the song launched Buffett into stardom and created a massive following of Parrot Heads who are generally characterized as Aloha shirt wearing, koozie bearing bastions of relaxation and sunshine.  In the early 80’s the name Jimmy Buffett became synonymous with the “Margaritaville” way of life, and, being the savvy businessman that he is, Buffett doubled down on his early success. The first Margaritaville restaurant opened in Key West in 1987 and from that day on, Buffett along with several local partners began to grow his brand into an empire. In 1995, Margaritaville opened it’s first international location in Negril, Jamaica. Following that success, In the early 2000’s it began an aggressive national and international expansion. In June 2010, the first Margaritaville resort was opened in Pensacola Florida with the first Margaritaville casino opening 3 years later in Bossier City, Louisiana.  The Bosier facility, by they way, is a $170 million complex that includes a 400-room resort, an 18-story hotel tower, and a 1,000-seat entertainment complex, making it a significant addition to the Margaritaville portfolio. There are currently 8 Margaritaville hotel and resort facilities located outside of the US. Their locations include Costa Rica, Jamaica, Belize, The Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Margaritaville started with a song and has slowly branched out into an empire. And 40 years after the song came out, it’s just as popular as ever. What are Margaritaville Hotel and Resorts Like? Margaritaville resorts have managed to combine two themes that are not always blended well: Laid-back & Luxury.  In short, Margaritaville Hotels and Resorts are all about ttropical vibes and luxurious amenities. Guests rave about the welcoming atmosphere, extensive activities, and prime beachfront locations, making these resorts a popular choice for those seeking a laid-back yet upscale vacation experience. Unlike more stuffy brands like Marriott and more value-oriented brands like Choice Hotels, Margaritaville has been able to carve out a very large and loyal customer base in a very competitive niche market. Why did Margaritaville Choose to build in Panama? According to Tamara Baldanza-Dekker, chief marketing officer at Margaritaville, “we’re always looking for locations that are diverse and multifaceted, so Playa Caracol, Panama was the perfect destination to introduce this new way to live. In addition to its growing popularity as a retirement destination, Panama is a bright and inspirational country that brings together elements of fast-paced business with a relaxing lifestyle, similar to Margaritaville’s ethos.” “Honoring the historic elements of the area and its vibrant future, Margaritaville Beach Resort & Residences Playa Caracol will feature thoughtful design inspired by the country’s energy as a global hub as well as its dynamic landscapes.” C-Level folks have a tendency to speak in code. What she meant to say was “we think Margaritaville is going to make a lot of money in Panama.” And not just because Panama is an up and coming tourism destination. The beaches areas around Playa Caracol are absolutely beautiful! Plus the location of the project is going to be about an hour’s drive to two different international airports, which is an important box to check for a development of this size.  Where will Margaritaville Panama be located? Margaritaville Beach Resort & Residences will be located in Playa Caracol, Panama. Playa Caracol is located in the Chame District of Panama and is an emerging destination known for its long stretches of sandy beach.  Easily accessible from Panama City, it offers a tropical environment ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.  Nearby Coronado offers additional shopping and recreational options, enhancing Playa Caracol’s appeal as a prime location for both tourists, retirees and locals. The exact location of Margaritaville Beach Resort & Residences Playa Caracol will be adjacent to the Playa Caracol Residences which is a 20 minute drive after exiting the Inter American highway (la Interamericana). Margaritaville Beach Resort & Residences Playa Caracol is a one hour drive to the airport at Rio Hato and a 1.5 hour drive (without traffic) to the Tocumen International Airport. Who is building Margaritaville Beach Resort & Residences Playa Caracol? Grupo Los Pueblos will be the builder of Margaritaville, Panama. Grupo los Pueblos, or GLB was founded in 1985 and is a prominent real estate developer in Panama. The company excels in designing, developing, and constructing residential, commercial, and leisure projects.  Their portfolio includes luxury residential communities and major commercial centers like Ocean Reef Islands and Albrook Mall. Grupo Los Pueblos is dedicated to excellence and sustainability, positioning them as a key player in Panama’s real estate market​. Their CEO, Alfredo Aleman has an impeccable reputation and his company has built a number of high profile projects including the Albrook Mall along with dozens of luxury condo developments. It is reported that the GLP brand has secured hundreds of acres in and around the Margaritaville project site for future development, which will likely give the area a boost over the coming years. What Is For Sale in Margaritaville, Panama? To date, only Phases 1 and 2 have been released in terms of property for sale in Margaritaville, Panama. These first two phases consist of a total of 181 condos as well as 80 Beach Cottages with prices starting at just above $300,000. All properties for sale in Margaritaville, Panama include appliances as well as air conditioning units (split-style).  These units are being sold either as a part of the property management schema under the Margaritaville brand for…

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Panama’s QIPR and Independent Means Visas Poised for a Record Year

By

Panama Equity

Posted in Blog, Economy, Exploring & Living in Panama, Immigration & Visa On

Panama’s QIPR and Independent Means Visa programs are on track for a record-breaking year. These visas, aimed at attracting foreign investors and financially independent individuals, have become incredibly popular. With more people choosing Panama as their new home, the country is setting records for welcoming international residents. The easy application process and appealing incentives make Panama an even more attractive place to invest or settle in a vibrant, diverse environment. Recent numbers show that Panama’s residence-by-investment programs are seeing record interest in 2024. The Independent Means Visa and Qualified Investor Permanent Residency programs are both set to hit all-time highs this year. On the other hand, approvals for the Friendly Nations Visa (FNV) are leveling off after a big surge in applications when the price jumped from $5,000 to $200,000. With 1,312 FNV approvals so far this year, it’s clear that while interest remains strong, it’s no longer skyrocketing like it did right after the price increase. In the first five months of 2024, the Qualified Investor Permanent Residency (QIPR) program has seen 105 applications, putting it on track to potentially reach 252 approvals by the year’s end—up from 187 in 2023. The anticipated rise in the minimum investment threshold from $300,000 to $500,000 in October could lead to a rush of applications before the new requirement kicks in. Panama’s Independent Visa for Jubilados and Pensionados is maintaining its impressive performance from last year, with 819 approvals in the first five months of 2024. If this momentum keeps up, the program is likely to surpass the previous year’s record of 1,627 approvals. In 2024, Panama’s approval rates for investor and independent means visas are still impressively high, continuing a trend of exceeding 95% in recent years. This year, the average approval rate has risen to 98%, up from 96% in 2022 and 2023. The Fixed Deposit Investor Visa even achieved a perfect 100% approval rate. The only slight dip was seen with the Qualified Investor Permanent Residency (QIPR), which dropped from 99% to 98%. After peaking at 4,318 approvals in 2021 due to a price increase, the number of Friendly Nations Visa (FNV) approvals has been steadily decreasing, with 2,554 in 2022 and 2,120 in 2023. So far in 2024, there have been 1,312 approvals, showing that while interest in the FNV is holding steady, it hasn’t reached the highs of 2021. Additionally, investor immigrants make up 15% of all approved immigrants this year, which aligns with Panama’s long-term average over the past seven years. In 2024, 15% of all approved immigrants in Panama have been investor immigrants. This percentage aligns with the country’s long-term average over the last seven years. In short, 2024 is turning out to be a big year for Panama’s residence-by-investment programs. The Qualified Investor Permanent Residency (QIPR) and Independent Means Visa programs are seeing record numbers, showing that more people than ever are choosing Panama as their new home. The country’s streamlined application process and attractive incentives are clearly paying off. Although the Friendly Nations Visa (FNV) approvals have slowed since the price increase, overall interest in Panama remains strong. With high approval rates and a potential surge in QIPR applications before the threshold rises, Panama is clearly a top choice for investors and those seeking a dynamic, welcoming place to settle.

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August 2024 Real Estate Update with Matt Marx and Kent Davis

By

Panama Equity

Posted in Blog, Economy, Exploring & Living in Panama, The Panama Real Estate Market On

In this August 2024 Panama Real Estate Update, Matt and Kent dive into what’s buzzing in the Panama property market. Sneak Preview: Even though summer is usually slow, the market’s been hopping with investors getting ahead before the U.S. election. Matt and Kent talk about how these local and international politics are affecting our local market, including an update on prices, hot projects, rental yields and trends we as an agency are trying to get in front of. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, Matt and Kent’s update has the latest scoop on Panama’s real estate scene. Don’t miss out—get the insights you need to make your next real estate market move! Click here to watch the full video. How Molino’s Changes Are Shaping Panama’s Real Estate Market Panama’s new administration is causing a buzz with major updates. The federal government and Panama City’s mayor are getting a lot of praise for fixing up roads, potholes, and flooding issues. We haven’t seen the exact unemployment numbers, but it’d be a shock if it wasn’t around 1%. The city definitely feels lively! Work on Via Argentina has begun, and Mayor Mizrachi has surprised many by allowing casual attire and pets in government offices—big changes for Panama’s traditionally formal environment. While the positive energy is high, there’s some caution. The mayor’s talk of constitutional changes has raised eyebrows, though it’s unlikely to signal any drastic moves. Any Red Flags or Concerns? July and August are usually slow months in real estate, and Matt would typically take a break, but this year has been nonstop. Investors are particularly active, driven by concerns about the political climate and the upcoming U.S. election. They’re getting ahead of the game, planning their purchases and investments before November. This is the first time Matt is in Panama during a year when both the Panamanian and U.S. presidents are elected, making this double election cycle unique and worth watching closely. Have Prices Been Affected? There’s been a slight dip in prices compared to last year. Sellers who have been on the market for a while are starting to adjust their prices, leading to more sales as they align with current market conditions. In the luxury market, such as Ocean Reef and Santa Maria, prices remain steady. Ocean Reef units are still selling for over $5,000 per meter, while Santa Maria ranges from $3,500 to $4,000 per meter. Developers are maintaining these price points, but resellers are becoming more willing to negotiate, not wanting to hold onto properties into the new year. Are Resale Prices Dropping or Are Sellers More Flexible? It’s clear that long-time listings are seeing price adjustments, while new listings are starting high. Sellers often list high initially but are becoming more flexible and adjusting their prices to attract buyers. Once they set the right price, there’s less need for extensive negotiation, hitting that sweet spot in the market. Top Selling Projects: What’s Hot Right Now? While luxury spots like Santa Maria and Ocean Reef are holding steady, Costa del Este is catching a lot of attention. Once a hotspot like Santa Maria was 15 years ago, Costa del Este’s older buildings are now offering some great deals. Prices have dropped a bit, making it an attractive option for investors. With its proximity to multinational companies like Nestlé and Procter & Gamble, Costa del Este is seeing renewed interest from investors looking for reliable rental income. Yield and Rental Trends For a real-world snapshot, our company’s seeing strong performance with only 3 out of 80 rental units vacant, and investors are earning net yields of around 4% annually, or 7-8% gross. August is an ideal time to rent or list in Costa del Este, with a 5% price bump due to lower inventory. Interest Rates and Market Dynamics Most of Matts buyers are cash buyers. For foreign buyers coming to Panama, a common issue is that we don’t offer fixed rates; adjustable rates can be a concern. Banks are still offering rates around 7%, plus a 1% government tax, making it effectively an 8% loan. You won’t be cash flow positive if you leverage more than the typical loan-to-value ratios of 60% to 70%. If you want to avoid this, you’ll need to put down more cash and do your own calculations. Offers and Listings Current offers typically reflect an 8% discount off the asking price, suggesting that buyers are negotiating harder and sellers may be adjusting their expectations. Last month, 157 new residential listings appeared on the MLS, highlighting a growing trend of sellers seeking broader exposure for their properties. This increase in listings suggests a more competitive market where sellers are leveraging the MLS to attract potential buyers, possibly in response to evolving market conditions or a strategic move to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Casco Antiguo: A Divergent Market In Casco Antiguo, there’s a significant gap between developer prices and resale market values. Developers are offering new builds with premium amenities at around $5,000 per meter, while resale prices are much lower. This discrepancy is partly due to the lack of modern amenities in older buildings and the expiration of subsidized mortgage rates, which has deterred some investors. Casco View: A Promising Project Casco View is an exciting development outside the historic district with excellent views and amenities like a pool on the 6th floor. Investors who saw its potential early are doing well. The property has good short-term rental performance and offers unique benefits like Marriott point usage. Overall, while luxury markets remain stable, opportunities in emerging areas like Costa del Este and strategic investments in projects like Casco View are making waves in Panama’s real estate scene. To wrap things up, Panama’s real estate scene is really lively right now. While luxury spots like Santa Maria and Ocean Reef hold their ground on prices, areas like Costa del Este are shaping up to be great deals for investors. Casco Antiguo shows a big price gap between new builds…

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