A Community Newsletter by Kathleen Vega:
I'm glad you're reading this! Allow me to introduce myself: I'm a Panamanian industrial engineer who has lived in Panama City all her life. I'm a young real estate professional who truly values the trust that clients place in me and this makes me want to do everything I can to ensure their satisfaction.
Kathleen Vega
507-6672-8170 WhatsApp
kv@kathleenvega.com
https://kathleenvega.com/Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
In this Edition
About Kathleen Vega and her Services
I started working in the Real Estate industry in Panama in 2013, assisting in sales at the showroom of one of Panama's most prestigious developers, Empresas Bern, and have been passionate about the industry ever since. In 2015, I obtained my real estate license and the nearly 10 years of working in the industry have provided me with extensive knowledge of the process of buying and selling residential real estate in Panama. I became a member of the Panamanian Association of Real Estate Brokers and Developers in 2017 to surround myself with more experienced agents, learn from them, and also take advantage of the ongoing education that the association provides.
My favorite aspect of being a real estate agent is connecting with people from all over the world who come to Panama to make it their home and building lifelong relationships with them. Buying real estate is a big investment and that's why I really appreciate it when someone lets me be a part of it, and that's why I'm always looking for ways to stay up to date on what's going on in the market so I can give you good and honest advice.
I speak English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. You can call me, WhatsApp me or email me directly with any questions you may have about moving, selling or buying property in Panama.
My favorite aspect of being a real estate agent is connecting with people from all over the world who come to Panama to make it their home and building lifelong relationships with them. Buying real estate is a big investment and that's why I really appreciate it when someone lets me be a part of it, and that's why I'm always looking for ways to stay up to date on what's going on in the market so I can give you good and honest advice.
I speak English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. You can call me, WhatsApp me or email me directly with any questions you may have about moving, selling or buying property in Panama.
Panama Cancels Planned Increase for Real Estate Investment Visas
The Government of Panama has released important updates to its Qualified Investor Visa (also known as the Red Carpet Visa) through Decree 193, effective as of October 15, 2024. This permanent visa, originally launched to attract high-net-worth individuals by offering a fast track to residency, has now seen crucial changes to its real estate investment requirements and processing options.
Key Changes to the Real Estate Investment ThresholdReduced Investment Amount: The minimum required real estate investment has been reduced from $500,000 to $300,000. This amount applies whether the purchase is made directly by the individual, through a Panamanian foundation, or through a corporate entity, as long as the applicant maintains beneficial ownership.Options for Executing the Investment: Applicants may now make the required investment through:Completed real estate or pre-construction projects, facilitated by a promise to sell contract.Funds placed in a trust administered by a Panamanian trustee.
100% payment to the developer at the time of purchase with a bank guarantee letter from the developer or seller on behalf of the buyer/investor.
Acceptance of co-ownership investments: If the real estate purchase is executed personally, through a company or foundation, co-ownership agreements between spouses or dependents are permitted. In such cases, the investment will still qualify, promoting flexibility for families or dependents applying together under the same visa.
Additional application detailsProcessing time remains fast, with approvals typically issued within 30 business days. The investment must be held for at least five years to retain resident status. Applicants and their dependents may complete the application through a Panamanian attorney and start the process remotely before arriving in Panama.This adjustment reflects Panama's intent to boost foreign investment by making the visa more accessible and attractive to potential investors. The new rules emphasize flexibility by including pre-sale projects and trust agreements, which reduce barriers for those entering the market.
To learn more about these updates or to get started with your application, it is recommended to consult with an immigration attorney familiar with the latest Panamanian regulations to ensure a smooth process and compliance with all requirements.
Imagination
Imagine the energy you have when life is working. Imagine your life the way you want it to be. Your imagination has energy. Don't ignore it.It's a very powerful tool. We would never have phones, light bulbs, cars, airplanes, computers, etc., if someone didn't have imagination. The only difference between the people who created these things and you and me is that they paid attention to their imagination and took action. I bet there have been many times in your life when you've sat down and analyzed your life and said to yourself, "Why didn't I think of that?" Use your imagination to turn dreams into reality.
If you can't imagine your life being better, it probably won't happen. If you can't imagine yourself having more energy, it probably won't happen. Imagination is wonderful. If you've lost your imagination, spend time with young children and you'll find it again. They can take pieces of paper and make sailboats. They can take animal brochures that come in the mail and play with them for hours. They can play hide and seek in the car. Children have amazing imaginations.
If you can't imagine your life being better, it probably won't happen. If you can't imagine yourself having more energy, it probably won't happen. Imagination is wonderful. If you've lost your imagination, spend time with young children and you'll find it again. They can take pieces of paper and make sailboats. They can take animal brochures that come in the mail and play with them for hours. They can play hide and seek in the car. Children have amazing imaginations.
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Kathleen Vega
507-6672-8170 WhatsApp
kv@kathleenvega.com
https://kathleenvega.com/
Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
7 Things You Should Never Say in a Negotiation According to Experts
1. “I’ll do you a favor” A really off-putting thing to say is that you’re doing the client or customer a “favor” by offering them your best price. This completely undermines the relationship you’re trying to build with your client and implies that you’re in a position of power and that they should be grateful for your offer. “In reality, good negotiations are all about collaboration and finding a win-win situation. No one wants to feel like they’re being patronized or not valued in the conversation. Stop talking about “favors” and focus on how you can work together to find a solution that works for everyone.
2. “I hope…” “I hope” can diminish your credibility as a salesperson. It suggests uncertainty about your ability to deliver. Instead of saying “I hope,” try saying “I’ll do everything in my power to give you the results you need.” This statement embodies trust and commitment. It’s a more powerful way to assure your client that you’ll work hard to meet their expectations without making a promise. In this case, they will feel more secure and not expect definitive results, which often leads to negative relationships and failed negotiations if promises are not kept.
3. “This is non-negotiable.” Avoid saying “This is non-negotiable” or “You must decide now.” These types of phrases can shut down the conversation and create tension. Instead, emphasizing openness and exploring options together fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Approach every negotiation with the mindset that flexibility and understanding pave the way to mutual success. It’s about creating solutions that work for everyone, not just sticking to rigid terms.
4. “…just for you.” We can make this deal happen just for you. Sure, it sounds like you’re rolling out the red carpet, but here’s the thing: clients are smart! They know when they’re being sweet-talked. By making it seem like they’re getting an exclusive, secret deal, they may wonder what’s going on with everyone else’s deals. Are they really getting something special, or are you just desperate to close the deal? That little touch of sarcasm may seem like a charm offensive, but it could end up making them question your credibility. It’s better to keep things transparent and let your product or service speak for itself, rather than trying to woo them with a deal that seems too good to be true.
5. “Trust me.” Never say “you can trust me” during a sales negotiation. Have you noticed that sometimes a buyer doesn’t seem fully engaged? Often, it’s because there’s a basic assumption that salespeople aren’t trustworthy, fueled by endless media stories about scams and rip-offs. This skepticism can erode your credibility, extend the sales process, and ultimately cost you sales. Telling a potential client to “trust you” doesn’t actually build trust and can even backfire. People tend to believe what they can see, not just what they hear. Always provide written material to back up what you say during a presentation or proposal. Make sure you use third-party materials when you can to gather facts to back up your points—this adds an extra layer of credibility. And it’s critical to document everything that is said, offered, proposed, promised, suggested, and implied during the negotiation. This transparency helps build genuine trust.
6. “This is our final offer” Sales experts understand that the words you choose in a negotiation can significantly affect the outcome. One thing you should never say is, “This is our final offer,” unless you mean it. "Using this phrase too early or as a bluff can corner you into a position where you have to back down (which undermines your credibility) or maintain a stance that might not be in your best interest.
7. "Let's work out the details later." One thing you should never say in a negotiation is, "Let's work out the details later." Don't make the mistake of agreeing to general terms without nailing down the details, only to find out later that the understandings were very different. This can cause delays and almost derail the deal. Insist on clarity from the start, making sure all the details are agreed upon before moving forward. This prevents misunderstandings and builds trust, showing the other side that you're serious about delivering exactly what you promise.
