EP 192 From the U.S. to Panama: Real Estate Strategies That Cross Borders with Melissa Darnay

Have you ever considered investing in international real estate? Discover how Panama offers lucrative opportunities for investors seeking affordability, lifestyle upgrades, and long-term wealth building. Melissa Darnay is an American entrepreneur who has been living her dream life in Panama since 2012. As the CEO of Choose Panama, a luxury real estate and rental agency based in Panama City, Melissa specializes in helping expatriates navigate the Panamanian real estate market, offering insights into property management, rentals, and purchases. She shares her personal journey of relocating from Dallas to Panama and what initially attracted her to the country: affordability, quality of life, and the chance to create wealth through real estate investments. Melissa and Corwyn compare cost-of-living insights between the U.S. and Panama, revealing how everyday services like housekeeping, transportation, and even medical care are more accessible abroad—opening the door for a lifestyle many Americans may not think is within reach. Key Takeaways: (03:50) Why Melissa made the leap from Texas to Panama (10:22) Cost comparison: Life in Panama vs. life in the U.S. (13:40) How to invest in Panama real estate (and what to avoid (20:01) The cultural shift: slower pace, stronger community (23:17) What to expect: the mañana mindset, infrastructure challenges, and rural diversity (25:51) How Panamanians supported each other during COVID—and what the U.S. can learn (27:30) How to get in touch with Melissa for property management, rentals, or buying in Panama Interested in exploring real estate opportunities in Panama? Visit www.choosepanama.com to access resources, including Melissa's book Panama Uncorked, and to learn more about living and investing in Panama. Contact Melissa @: Website: www.choosepanama.com YouTube: Choose Panama - The Panama Podcast Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissadarnay/ E-book: https://www.choosepanama.com/free-book.html Connect with Corwyn @: Contact Number: 843-619-3005 Instagram:⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/exitstrategiesradioshow/⁠⁠ FB Page:⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/exitstrategiessc/⁠⁠ Youtube:⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxoSuynJd5c4qQ_eDXLJaZA⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠ https://www.exitstrategiesradioshow.com⁠⁠ Linkedin:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmelette/⁠⁠ Shoutout to our Sponsor: EXIT Realty Lowcountry Group Do you want something more? More Meaningful Moments opportunities, deeper relationships and memorable experiences? Do you want to make a difference? If you say YES, a career and real estate could be the opportunity you're looking for guiding people to one of the most important decisions they ever made, the purchase or sale of their home can be both rewarding and lucrative. EXIT Realty has a revolutionary compensation model training and technology that provides you with the tools you need to start and build your successful real estate career. Call EXIT Realty Lowcountry group today at 843-619-3005 that is 843-619-3005 or visit ⁠https://exitlowcountry.com/joinexit⁠ and make your Exit today.