I am asked practically everyday by clients in our web  portal www.ThinkPanama.com;  “What do you recommend to make money in Panama’s Booming Real Estate Market?”.  I get questions like  “Is it too late to get into good Flipping or money making Opportunities , or Is the price curve on it’s ways up?” - First of all, that’s what my Blog is about, Making money in Panama Real Estate. If you have not signed up, you are losing out on the Inside track.

I have lived here in Panama for the last 9 years (since August 1999) and I have owned my Consulting firm since December 1999. I am a licensed Real Estate Broker.  My whole purpose is to offer solid, sound Investment advice  to Investors and then I get involved in making sure they are dealt with legally, honestly, and in a straight forward manner. My expertise is working with Foreign Developers in the entire process of creating their Residential projects, Branding & Marketing.

Back in my April 29, 2008 issue I wrote about CONDO HOTELS. This is a sound Investment opportunity.

Why? Here’s 10 Good Reasons:

1. Panama’s tourism is growing on average 12% per year. The projection of tourism visitors in 2008, 1.5 million.
2. Panama has a Hotel room shortage or deficit of close to 20,000 hotel rooms.  According to the Ministry of Tourism recent report. There is an immediate DEMAND/ NEED for Hotel rooms. The Tourism Ministry recently approved 27 NEW Hotel Developments, and there are 22 more in the drawing board, totaling $931.2 million in Hotel & Tourism Developments.
3. Panama is one of the Latin American countries with the most Foreign Investment. Foreign capital is pouring – into the country. Panama leads Latin America for second consecutive year in Foreign Investment with $825 million in 2007 which represents 10.5% of the Countries GDP. Higher than Brazil, Mexico, and Chile in relation to GDP. Panama came in overall 8th place in total foreign investment for Latin America.
4. Huge Projects like the 400 hectare development in Howard  called “Panama Pacifico” a favorable non tax Industrial zone for foreign investment, along with the Panama Canal expansion, Ports terminals expansion, and the real estate and financial markets boom fueling the continued growth of the economy. The Tourism Ministry recently approved 27 NEW Hotel Developments, and there are 22 more in the drawing board, totaling $931.2 million in Hotel & Tourism Developments.
5. Panama  is the BANKING & FINANCIAL capital of Latin America.  The Panama Superintendent of Banks reported a $306.9 million + GAIN in profits for first trimester 2008, Panama Banks reported a + 33.6% GROWTH in deposits. While the rest of the World banking sectors are struggling, Panama banks are benefiting with Growth. This is a major reason for a solid forecast in continued growth in Business Travel.
6. Panama is living what can be described as the “Golden Decadent Decade”, Economic growth for Panama  2007 was +11.2%, highest in the region. Experts are projecting 4.5% in the region for 2008, While Panama is projecting 8% growth in 2008. In comparison U.S. had 2.2 in 2007, and is projected at +1.9% in 2008.
7. PANAMA’S GROWTH is consistent for last 23 trimesters consecutively. Panamas GDP has grown for 23 trimesters according to the countries accounting & treasury ministry records. In the last 5 years the GDP has shown an average of 7.8% growth annually. The Construction & Real Estate sectors Boom, and the Panama Canal expansion have contributed as a cushion to compensate for current U.S. and Global economic slow down.
8. According to the National Competitiveness Council (CNC)- The projection is for a continued 5% to 8% annual Growth for the next 10 Years.
9. The Real Estate Boom currently underway in Panama is still in initial stages, experts predict 10 more years of economic boom which will continue to fuel demand for Real Estate.
10. Condo Hotel provide DOUBLE profit for Investors:  1) Property Value , and 2) Rental Income.   We have discussed in past issues two condo hotel properties recommendations for our Investors, “THE ORCHID” which we launched a few months ago, at special discounted Think Panama price of $190,000, is now selling for $247,700 and higher, depending on the unit, some are $249,800.  The Plaza which we offered to our readers back in April for a special Think Panama discount of $3,000 below market price was $193, 600, we were offering at $190,600 is NOW selling for $236,192 -  You missed out on making $45,592 on the property VALUE increase.

But, who’s keeping track? I am!

Our foresight can make you $42,592 PROFIT  NOW!!!  Limited time offer.

THE PLAZA, Costa del Este

This is a very upscale 5 Star ocean view 150 room condo hotel & 44 Exclusive Residences located in a Panama City, in Costa del Este, just 15 minutes from the International airport, 45 minutes to Pacific coast beaches, 20 minutes to Johns Hopkins Punta Pacifica Hospital, and the ultra hip Multi Plaza Mega Mall with the World’s top fashion specialty boutique brand stores like Cartier, Hugo Boss, Fendi, Carolina Herrera, Lacoste, Mont Blanc, supermarket, and restaurants.

The Plaza is Residence and Condo Hotel with contemporary design. The development will offer state of the art technology, wireless internet, interactive intelligent lobby with online concierge service, health center, Business center, Infinity pools, waterfalls, International restaurants, sky lounge, and exotic amenities such as a Luxury 100 foot yacht that takes condo owners and guests to the beautiful Pearl Islands Contadora island every day, seven times per week.

Famous celebrities like Enrique Iglesias, Justin Pasek (Miss Universe 2003), Salsa super star: Gilberto Santa Rosa, and the lead singer for MANA, one of Latin Americas favorite rock band.  One of the features of this condo hotel & residences is the SKY-BEACH at the roof top with view to the Pacific Ocean.  The current Price on the 577 sq. ft. Plaza Condo Hotel unit is $236,192.
Through our relationships with Developers we have grandfathered a few 577 sq. ft. Hotel units at THE PLAZA under the original PRE-SALE price of $193,600. This is a $42,592 PROFIT from the Get Go!  YOU SAVE $42,592 on your unit, thus PROFIT on the Property VALUE.
And I can dare to forecast that these units will continue to GO UP in prices/ VALUE,  based on the trends I am seeing with THE ORCHID.

My Recommendation:  Buy NOW!  At $193,600.  FLIP it before you have to TAKE DELIVERY in 2010 for at Least $80,000 PROFIT above what you paid.  Or Keep it and Enjoy a 24% Rental return Income on a Luxurious Hotel unit that pays for itself and that you can use for yourself & Your Family for two weeks every year FREE.

This Special ThinkPanama.com Offer is Valid for ONE WEEK,  You can RESERVE and Lock- in at the $193,600 price with a $10,000 RESERVATION. I need copy of Passport Photo ID, and I proceed to send you a receipt and a Promise to Purchase Agreement,  the total Deposit is 30% down payment: $58,080,  which  you can pay up to 30 days after signing the promise to Purchase agreement, the rest can be paid in $10,000 monthly payments until you take delivery of the unit in 2010.

Note:  Only Two (2) “THE PLAZA” units left at this Bargain Price.

TOP 4  REAL ESTATE Recommendations:

$50,000 Beach lots in Pedasi, Playa la Garita, 10,000 sq. ft. lots,  2 years financing, 2 years no Interests.

Noriegas Beach Complex is on the Auction block, 10 hectares, with Beachfront Paradise and a Beach View worthy of a 5 Star General. Treasure map a plus.  Bid starts at $3.5 Million.  Excellent for Beach Resort Development.

Island Titled 9 hectares $1Million, Titled Caribbean Island, Excellent for Resort Development.

RM3, C2 , 18,832 sq. ft. , 1,760 sq. mts, lot in Panama City, for WAREHOUSE or low Income Housing Development.  Only $250,000.  Lock – In with $1,000.

Contact me directly at dchoy@ThinkPanama.com
+ 507.260-4000,  + 507. 6676-8904.

Douglas M. Choy
Chief Executive Officer & Chief Editor
ThinkPanama.com