Van Hohe, who spent nearly three decades touring internationally with major music festivals and artists, initially dismissed his business partners' suggestion to expand into Panama with blunt skepticism, viewing international real estate investment as a bridge too far despite his extensive global experience. After persistent encouragement for over a year, Hohe finally agreed to visit Panama, a trip that fundamentally changed his perspective and revealed what he describes as a unique combination of elements he found nowhere else in his worldwide travels.
As Chief Experience Officer at CHORD Real Estate, Hohe evaluates opportunities through a lens that extends beyond spreadsheets, focusing on creating memorable experiences for clients by understanding what makes locations genuinely compelling rather than simply marketed well. Panama delivered an authenticity that promotional materials couldn't capture, with Hohe noting, "I showed up nervous, because I flew in alone. I didn't know what I was walking into. And I fell in love." The revelation wasn't about finding something cheap or undiscovered, but rather discovering 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 "like morphing the French Quarter in New Orleans with what I imagine to be old Havana." The neighborhood transforms as day shifts to evening, with music starting up and the smells of cafes and food creating an atmosphere Hohe recalls as unmatched. 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, contrasting with markets where Americans faced resentment or were viewed primarily as revenue sources. "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, supported by Panama's use of the U.S. dollar, which eliminates 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 behavior speaking volumes as he began telling friends, "you have to come with me. We just have to go. The food, the people, the vibe." This evangelical enthusiasm from someone initially dismissive of international investment reflects a gap between perception and reality that only direct exposure can bridge. For investors focused purely on cap rates and appreciation projections, Hohe's perspective adds a dimension often missing from real estate analysis, particularly for buyers considering properties that may eventually serve personal use for 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, with more information available at https://chordrealestate.com/investpanamasummit.
