Thread: The real estate market in Las Tablas is very tight now.

Now that I have wheels I have been looking around this area. Recently I began looking in the barrio's right outside Las Tablas. I didn't see a single home site for sale or a single house for sale with the exception of a new development off the highway 3 km's from Las Tablas going towards Chitre. Now, there are larger tracts available sporadically but I am not interested in buying acreage. Oh, I have yet to see a house for rent either. I have no idea why this market is the way it is but for the moment that is my report. In the near future I am thinking of expanding my search. I am interested in purchasing a small bungalow on a small lot in a clean neighborhood. Any suggestions?

Originally Posted by Pollerkeeper

Now that I have wheels I have been looking around this area. Recently I began looking in the barrio's right outside Las Tablas. I didn't see a single home site for sale or a single house for sale with the exception of a new development off the highway 3 km's from Las Tablas going towards Chitre. Now, there are larger tracts available sporadically but I am not interested in buying acreage. Oh, I have yet to see a house for rent either. I have no idea why this market is the way it is but for the moment that is my report. In the near future I am thinking of expanding my search. I am interested in purchasing a small bungalow on a small lot in a clean neighborhood. Any suggestions?

I would start asking the Locals if they know of anything. With no real MLS in Panama word of mouth is popular. WooHoo also is in your neck of the woods and knows allot of people, maybe he can put the word out. If there is a small local newspaper consider placing a wanted ad in spanish with your phone number. It couldn't hurt, happy hunting and thanks for your updates.

I have found that sometimes in the small communities, everyone is so used to everyone knowing everything that they don't bother to put signs up - for lots of different things.

I was actually doing that today. We went driving around in some of the barrios and just started talking to people and got more information that way than asking real estate agents etc. You are right, houses are for sale or rent and there is no notices up and everyone seems to know about them. Good information.

I have posted real estate wanted notices in Las Tablas in town in 3 different locations. People are calling me pretty regularly with real estate for sale in Las Tablas. There is much more here that I originally thought. There are also some shade-tree real estate agents here that work for the sellers. They will show you where the houses are that are for sale. We were referred to one who showed us 3 houses for sale. The price on one of the homes jumped by 10 grand once the owner saw that I was an Xpat. A wishful thinker.

I have a home in the community you mentioned right outside of town. I know that a house across the street from is is for sale. It is a 3 bdrm 2 bath , about 2.5 yrs old. My guess it would be about 75k

Looking for real-estate has been a challenge here in Las Tablas. Try and look at as many homes as possible so you can arm yourself with a little knowledge. And, be skeptical. They will "try" you. Real estate in Las Tablas is sort of like the car market. You know, every car it seems has a for sale sign on it with an inflated price. I call it the "buena suarte" price. They don't care if they sell their house unless you will pay them the "buena suarte" price. The sellers come out of the wood work to get to the ignorant gringo with these high asking prices. People have referred me to properties and told me the price in advance and when I get to the property I am quoted an entirely different price. Such fun! Once they find out that you wish to pay a fair market price for a property then all of a sudden its hard to find a place for sale.

I don't know if you are interested in Pedasi just down the road, quiet and laid back friendly little community, I found it very safe Prices are reasonable but you have to dig, there's a guy by the name of Greg who may help you out if you are interested.Capt

Originally Posted by Pollerkeeper

Looking for real-estate has been a challenge here in Las Tablas. Try and look at as many homes as possible so you can arm yourself with a little knowledge. And, be skeptical. They will "try" you. Real estate in Las Tablas is sort of like the car market. You know, every car it seems has a for sale sign on it with an inflated price. I call it the "buena suarte" price. They don't care if they sell their house unless you will pay them the "buena suarte" price. The sellers come out of the wood work to get to the ignorant gringo with these high asking prices. People have referred me to properties and told me the price in advance and when I get to the property I am quoted an entirely different price. Such fun! Once they find out that you wish to pay a fair market price for a property then all of a sudden its hard to find a place for sale.

Occasionally, their are Xpats who wish to move to Las Tablas. Not too often. I recommend that anyone who wishes to do so, rent first. At least a 1 year lease, before you buy. New comers are seen as "marks". This first year will give you an opportunity to meet people and get a handle on what "real estate" is worth and where the nicest areas are. People will wish to befriend you, but what they really want is to sell you something. And, not necessarily in your best interest. I think this advice applies to anywhere you wish to move in Panama. I have found out that finding a decent house to buy is about patience and luck. And, also being able to spot a "diamond" in the rough. Location is everything. The house can be repaired most of the time. You want the best location, good bones, and a price that allows you a little elbow room to make the repairs. Easier said, than done.

Hey Folks,

Dates are firmed up. Will be in Las Tablas on 2-12 thru 2-19. Hope to hook up. I do not have a computer down there so I wont be able to do it via this forum.

Internet cafes are everywhere Jimmy. See ya when ya get here.

Originally Posted by jimmy

Hey Folks,

Dates are firmed up. Will be in Las Tablas on 2-12 thru 2-19. Hope to hook up. I do not have a computer down there so I wont be able to do it via this forum.

if you have a laptop , free wifi in the town center park

Lots of Internet cafe's down there if you so choose, I've used them, they're Spanish so they have a little different key board but you'll catch on only $.75/hr
Capt

Originally Posted by jimmy

Hey Folks,

Dates are firmed up. Will be in Las Tablas on 2-12 thru 2-19. Hope to hook up. I do not have a computer down there so I wont be able to do it via this forum.

Thanks all,

I will bring the laptop down , I did not realize there was wifi at the town center. Will give a shout out probably Sun. 2-13 and see if we cant set up some times to meet.

Just buy a house, Fleeted, and then rent the upstairs to me!

And I'll take the guest quarters. You know fleeted had a good idea in a previous post. People getting together, building , sharing and working together. In a real world it sounds impossible, but as my kids used to say, what if? In the bus,few rows behind India. Right now,. I'm lost in the mass of snowbirds in Quartzite Ariz.

Originally Posted by mudshark

And I'll take the guest quarters. You know fleeted had a good idea in a previous post. People getting together, building , sharing and working together. In a real world it sounds impossible, but as my kids used to say, what if? In the bus,few rows behind India. Right now,. I'm lost in the mass of snowbirds in Quartzite Ariz.

Are you down in AZ, Mudshark? Arent we headed further down than that?? I was thinking about renting out Naked's motorhome while we find a place to rent. What about it, Nakedguy? Want to make some extra cash to pay for that container? Haha! Ok Mudshark, when are you and wifey headed to Panama? You are going in Feb? I cant remember if you are looking to retire and find a place down there. Just what if we did something like you suggested? I was thinking of building a row of storage sheds and then renting them out to people that are moving down there. I dont know what they have at this time to provide a place for incoming movers. Make security a number one focas. You could sit out in front with a cerveza and your shotgun. Hmmmm..I kind of like this idea of mine. No clapping or applauding just a, thanks India!
tootles,
India

( I was thinking about renting out Naked's motorhome while we find a place to rent. What about it, Nakedguy? Want to make some extra cash to pay for that container?) we india i was really thinking of selling it when i am finished , then the fine new owner could drive around the country and decide where they want to live .

Well we've been promising friends that we would do the snowbird thing in Quartsite Az. So here I am, not quite as far south yet, but damn it was 75 today, slept with the windows in the rv open last night. Sure is a good change from the frozen tundra of home. We drive back next week and leave for Panama the 1st. Still up for those beers naked? Your invited too india. It would be so funny to run into neighbors while there.

Originally Posted by nakedguydb

( I was thinking about renting out Naked's motorhome while we find a place to rent. What about it, Nakedguy? Want to make some extra cash to pay for that container?) we india i was really thinking of selling it when i am finished , then the fine new owner could drive around the country and decide where they want to live .

You know, Naked, we might just make that easy for you to sell. Could you tell me alittle about it? Could Lee and I live in it half comfortably while we decide what we are doing? Guess we will know soon enough.
India

Hey Mudshark! I am sure that nice weather is good to sleep in. However, summer doth come to AZ. It warmed up here and is setting at 45 degrees.
Sounds like we will all be there at the same time in Pedasi. How cool is that? Definitely want to get together. How funny, Shark, that we live 5 miles from each other here, but have to go to Panama to meet! Watch out, Naked.

Originally Posted by india

You know, Naked, we might just make that easy for you to sell. Could you tell me alittle about it? Could Lee and I live in it half comfortably while we decide what we are doing? Guess we will know soon enough.
India

Hey Nakedguy! You had better be working on that container and get it finished up. My husband just said that he is very interested in a possible cash out on your motorhome-unless it is a piece of junk...haha. Seriously though, does it have a decent motor in it? Would you be thinking of a price that you would have to have for it and when we get down there we can have a talk over a beer. It would sure solve alot of problems on this end if we had our own place to go to when we move. Think about it, Naked. That would give you 5 months to finish your home. If you are done early, then we could make sure that you got your money, if you didnt mind having it there until we move in June. Let me know how you feel about it Naked.
Thanks,

well my friend india , we will drink beer and talk , a little about it 1989 , 32 ft , class A , 454 chev gas . rear bed , roof air , dash air , central vac , fridge , stove , furnace for those cold nights , 64000 miles , i drove it down from canada pulling a 30 ft enclosed trailer . import taxes paid . legal in country , 4000 watt gen set , and some solar on the roof . i have lived in it for the 38 months i have been here , it has taken the hurry out of building my house , and it has been great to be able to live on my acerage and not have to rent in town and just come here to work on the house . i often wonder what was the best thing i brought here , it or my kubota tractor with front end loader , it is a toss up . and i know where the coldest 55 cent beer is in town to talk this over LOL

Your Kubota? You actually brought your Kubota down there? Hahahaha! After you finish your place you could just dig out una piscina!
Thanks for the info on the motorhome. Sounds right up our alley, Naked. We just might be able to kill 2 birds with 1 stone.
Cold 55 cent'ers sounds like a deal. We will see you soon. Costa Rica and Bocas del Tora first before we come on down to Pedasi. I have got your number. We will call you when we get settled at Roberto's and Isabelles.
Thanks Nakedguy

Excuse me! What does any of this idle chatter have to do with real-estate being tight in Las Tablas? Just kiddin.

Actually it does, Pollykeeper. If it is alright with you, I am dealing on a home in Pedasi. Just happens to be on wheels. Guess I could start a new thread in "The Real Estate in Pedasi" but I am afraid there isnt much there for sale to blog about! Lol!

Don't forget that Las Tablas is right down the road from Pedasi. You can stay in a place temporarily in Las Tablas while you are looking for a place to stay in Pedasi. Las Tablas Rocks.

I know of people that quickly moved to Pedasi and then after realizing there isn't much there yet (like real stores or medical facilities) and moved up to Las Tablas. I do like Pedasi but I would hate to have to drive 40+ Kms to shop at a halfway decent grocery store.

Pedasi is a beautiful area for going to the beach. The beaches are extremely nice. Everything else is missing. Just my opinion. If you don't have a good car you will feel imprisoned there.

Yes, I hear that Pedasi is pretty quiet. Las Tablas might be better but we are used to quiet. Maybe we will set up a needed business in Pedasi. But then people would want to eventually move there and I would have to go find another quiet place! Haha! Plus, when the carnival comes to Las Tablas, it will be good and noisy for all the partiers.
We will purchase wheels to get around so that we are not trapped. Thanks for the heads-up, Pollykeeper! So you live in Las Tablas?
We are used to trees and acreage here. It is nice and quiet and yet a bigger town is not far away. About the same distance as the miles bewteen Las Tablas and Pedasi. So we should fit right in. Plus, we would like to meet all of you that are in this area while we are there.
Thanks for your imput, Polly!
India