Panama Real Estate Investment Travel Information


Apartment Hunting in Panama

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Written by Andrea Maizel

Tuesday, September 02 2008

So I finally convinced myself that coming to Panama was the right decision and upon being hit with a wall of humidity leaving the Tocumen airport I was also facing homelessness. Alright that is a little exaggerated, but if it wasn't for the kindness of others I could have found myself in some questionable establishments begging for shelter.

I had just made it to Panama and first on the agenda was finding an apartment. If only that was my lone requirement. I had one very difficult prerequisite; I needed to find a cheap apartment in the city.

The apartment search started with optimism. I had never been to Panama before but I foolishly assumed that it would be like in the States, where I happen to be a pro at searching for apartments. A few clicks of the mouse, a couple of visits, and ‘poof' an apartment appeared. After a couple of days, all that naïve optimism jumped off the balcony cursing me the whole way down.

For one, relying on the Internet here in Panama proved to be as useless as asking a blind man for help crossing Calle 50. Every time I found a great apartment it was unavailable or the pictures that they had put up were of a different apartment, a tricky little bait-and-switch tactic that is impossible to avoid. At least I haven't figured out yet how to avoid that.

Even calling real estate agents proved unsuccessful. To point out the obvious, Panama is a hot spot for real estate and this real estate is by US standards comparatively cheap. However, in my current predicament of being homeless, I am also broke.

A nasty little habit I picked up in college. What I found out quickly was if you weren't flashing hundred dollar bills, real estate agents had no interest. So here I was in a new country trying to figure all this out and at the same time trying to nail down an apartment as soon as possible.

What it came down to was knowing Spanish. Being able to read advertisements on Panamanian sites as well as calling and asking what other apartments the agents have available, other than what is displayed online. If they don't have anything a lot of times they can point you in the direction of someone who does. In some cases the Internet does not have to be a dirty four letter word, finding agents contact information online is a great way to find apartments.

Just because they don't have anything current online does not mean they don't have anything to show you. Also, don't be in a rush because nothing here happens fast. Another principle I have quickly adopted is that it is not what you know in Panama, it is who you know. So get out there and meet people who can aid you in your apartment search.

What it all comes down to is time. Don't rush the process and don't put yourself in a position where homelessness can occur! It is quite a scary predicament to be in, believe me. I just took my time and tried not to let your optimism jump out the window.

Andrea Maizel moved here from Maryland in 2008 and is our Director of Ad Sales

Comments (2)

t.p: apartment hunting

Did you find an apartment yet?? If so, I would really like to know how. My friend and I are moving to Panama in 2 weeks and I have been looking for an apartment for some with no success. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Thank you

September 17, 2008

RK: welcome to panama

Nice to see Matt has a new female contributor that writes on something besides fashion. When I found my apartment (huge secure place close to everything) in early 2007, things were much easier. Good apartments were plentiful and cheap ... things have certainly changed. So, what's next, finding a decent paying job that won't get you deported?

September 26, 2008

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