Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, famously stated: “in this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” While we will all have to deal with death, we have the ability to look at taxes and employ a smartly executed plan to reduce the bite around that […]
Liz's Blog
What's Happening in Liz's World?Getting To Know A Community Through Research
I think living temporarily in a community before you decide to move there is very important. But, I suggest to clients they should take it a step further. I tell them to consider “living virtually”. Recently a woman came to me looking for a condominium and she was ultra-sensitive to what she called “the general political […]
I Do, I Don’t, Maybe I Want To Rent My Condo?
When a client is considering purchasing a condominium in a Panamanian beach community, the question of renting is always part of the discussion, especially if they are not planning on living in the unit full-time. Buyers believe they are either purchasing only to rent, they never plan on renting or they aren’t sure if they want […]
I’m Italian! What Did You Expect?
The slices were thick but not overbearing and there were only four of them, but I smiled as I put them down on my kitchen counter and thought about what I might do with them later that evening. They were not given to me with fancy wrapping, but rather a simple zip lock plastic bag. I […]
When Purchasing, Should It Be a House or Condo?
The beach communities in Panama offer many options for home ownership. Prices range from below $100,000 to well into the millions and while most people know their price range, many times they aren’t sure about whether it should be a condominium or a detached house. It’s an important question, one with lots of variables—so let’s consider some […]
Going Solo Into Retirement
“I’m single, not by choice, because I am widowed,” said a woman in her sixties as we began to discuss retirement options. “I thought we’d retire together, but my husband had a heart attack.” The message was clear and while it sounded simple, I knew it wasn’t. “Arranging an international move isn’t something I wanted to […]
“No One Wants To Buy In A Sinking Market!”
It took me a while to notice that more and more emails were coming in during the night. It’s nice waking up to new people interested in purchasing property in Panama. I’d find my coffee (or better yet, the mornings when my coffee finds me), read and respond. Until recently, most of the people with whom […]
Diversifying Into Real Estate Via Self-Directed IRAs
When someone approaches me about buying a property I rarely ask about their financing. I assume they have done their due diligence and they know their budget. I look at my job as guiding buyers into the best situation for them individually: the right neighborhood, with their “must haves,” for the best price. I am their […]
“Well It’s Not Exactly The Ritz”
There are few places I love more, to simply sit back, relax and churn out the paperwork, than the Social Area at Coronado Golf. Taking up the entire 32nd floor of Coronado’s iconic building, the breeze is always available and the view looking out on the mountains and the gentle Pacific Ocean is both calming and exhilarating. […]
Forget The Crossword Puzzles—Just Move
The other day I was driving down Avenida Balboa in the heart of Panama City when I noticed a well dressed man in his forties attempting to wave down a cab. His arm was extended high into the air and the palm of his hand was face out to the traffic. I immediately thought of New […]
Panama vs. Costa Rica: The Great Debate Continues…
I am often asked about the differences between Costa Rica and Panama and I always defer, knowing the answer depends entirely on individual taste. I try to ask questions so I’ll have a better idea of what is important individually, because some of the differences between the two neighboring countries are major and others, minor. The […]
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