Working with the Right Developer for Panama Properties

In Panama, as in most other countries, there are many developers to choose from when you're ready to build a new home. But are all property developers really equal? Here are some guidelines for making sure you find the right developer for your Panama properties.

* Do They Have Extensive Experience?
The housing boom in Panama has attracted at least a few developers who don't have a great deal of experience developing local properties. Each country has unique requirements, regulations and ecological challenges for property development. It's up to your development company to navigate those challenges for you.

The first guideline to follow when choosing a property development company to help you with real estate in the Canal Zone is that they have extensive experience with Panama properties. How many properties have they developed? Does that experience include the type of residence you're planning to build?

It may seem too obvious, but are they properly licensed for all the services you'll need them to provide? Ask questions and make sure they have extensive experience in the areas you'll require.

* Do They Use Their Own Construction Firms?
The best possible situation for building properties in Panama is to work with a development company that also provides construction services. By cutting out the middleman of a separate construction company, you not only receive integrated property development services, you also save money.

Narrow your search down to companies who can develop, build and finish properties without extensive subcontracting. Then there's only one more step to choosing the right property developer in Panama.

* Do They Represent Great Properties?
Building the home of your dreams in Panama requires the help of a developer who represents great properties. Look for developments with amenities like a high percentage of shared common space, and an attractive balance between aesthetics and functionality.

Consider the overall atmosphere of the development. Is it somewhere you'll be able to relax and enjoy life in Panama? Whether it's a vacation home you'll visit every few months, or a place to put down roots permanently, consider all these factors when choosing your developer.

Real estate in the Canal Zone is a great investment, and owning a fabulous home there is surprisingly affordable. As a matter of fact, the elegance and affordability of homes there has inspired a boom in non-residents retiring in Panama.

There's no reason why you can't own property there, as well. Follow these guidelines for choosing the right property development company and build your home in Panama with confidence.

Retiring in Panama -- More Than Just a Dream

Have you ever considered retiring in Panama? For many retirees, this long-time dream is becoming a fabulous reality. Here's what we're hearing from those lucky folks about why retiring in Panama is so much more than just a dream.

The first thing those retirees talk about is the abundance of modern services within easy access of their Panama properties. Inexpensive modern transportation is the norm on the isthmus, as is great phone service and other safe, modern utilities. Panama's government has even committed to creating a free national Internet system beginning in 2010!

One more impressive plus -- grocery stores and shopping districts abound throughout Panama. As an up-and-coming center of eco-tourism, this country has learned to cater to the tastes of visitors from around the world.

Retirees also have the comfort of knowing that Panama's health care system is unrivaled in Central America. Affordable, comprehensive health insurance has many North Americans considering a move to Panama for an early retirement.

Another thing they love about retiring in the Canal Zone is the ease of traveling to the US. American retirees are able to fly back to visit friends and family within just a few hours. Their loved ones are also able to visit often, since non-stop flights are available daily from several major US cities.

But the best-kept secret about why retirees are buying Panama properties is the abundance of beautiful homes at reasonable prices! Following American construction standards, builders involved in real estate in the Canal Zone are creating wonderfully attractive homes for much less than it would cost to build in the United States. And did we mention that the Panamanian government offers a 50 percent discount on real estate closing costs to retirees?

Given those admirable advantages, as well as the gorgeous scenery, friendly population and a cosmopolitan ambience, there's an abundance of reasons to consider retiring in Panama. Whether you're hoping to be part of the trend toward ecological construction in Panama or prefer something more traditional, real estate in the Canal Zone should definitely be part of your retirement plans.

Come to Panama and see for yourself what all the excitement's about. Once you see the possibilities for happily retiring in Panama, you, too, will decide to move here for your golden years.