Real Estate Without Borders

In this episode, Thomas Patton shares his journey as a farmer in Panama, detailing how he transformed a rundown family farm into a thriving multi-species agricultural project. The conversation explores the creation of a farming-focused community designed to blend rural living with proximity to the city.
Thomas also breaks down why Panama is an attractive destination for expatriates, how property ownership works, and what financing options are available through local banks. The episode highlights the importance of community, connection to land, and why investing in agricultural real estate can play a key role in long-term lifestyle and family legacy planning.
• Thomas Patton is a farmer in Panama with a diverse agricultural background
• He transformed a rundown family farm into a flourishing multi-species operation
• The project is designed to create a farming community close to the city
• Residents will own individual lots for a variety of agricultural pursuits
• Panama offers a stable property ownership system with strong residency incentives
• Developed infrastructure and lifestyle amenities make Panama attractive to expatriates
• Real estate transactions typically involve local realtors and Panamanian banks
• Mortgages are available through local banks, increasing accessibility for investors
• The community blends urban convenience with rural living
• Investing in land is viewed as a cornerstone of long-term family legacy planning
“The average farm is 12 acres.”
“We believe in aging very fit.”
“Land is the best investment.”

00:00 – Introduction to Farming in Panama
02:28 – Creating a Farming Community
05:20 – Real Estate Development and Property Ownership
08:11 – Attracting Buyers: Who’s Interested?
10:54 – Panama’s Appeal: Culture and Economy
13:24 – Navigating the Real Estate Process
16:05 – Financing and Mortgages in Panama
18:58 – Investment Opportunities and Pricing

In this episode of Real Estate Without Borders, Daniel Foch sits down with Nick McLoota and Derek Cirillo from YukiHomes, a company helping foreigners buy and manage property in Japan—especially ski homes.
They break down how they went from casual travelers to real estate entrepreneurs, what makes the Japanese market unique, and why global demand for vacation rentals is accelerating. The conversation covers pricing, financing realities for foreigners, regulatory hurdles, and why understanding local culture is critical to investing successfully in Japan.
“We bought our house for 25K.”
“Japan is super safe.”
“We charge anywhere from 10 to 20%.”
00:00 – Introduction to Real Estate in Japan
02:22 – Building a Business Around Ski Homes
05:30 – Understanding the Clientele and Demand
07:34 – Investment Costs and Revenue Potential
09:48 – Navigating the Lending Landscape
12:11 – Demographics and Migration Trends
13:51 – Platforms for Short-Term Rentals
16:34 – The Reality of Vacant Homes in Japan
17:38 – Choosing the Right Location for Investment
21:03 – Exploring Free Homes and Their Challenges
24:43 – Safety and Neighborhood Dynamics in Japan
28:49 – Cultural Differences in Safety Perception
30:15 – Language Barriers and Real Estate in Japan
31:12 – Investing in Land and Property in Japan
34:41 – Navigating the Japanese Real Estate Market
🧠 Key Takeaways📝 Episode Summary🎙️ Notable Sound Bites📍 Chapters

🎧 Episode Keywords
Japan real estate, YukiHomes, ski homes, Airbnb, investment opportunities, foreign ownership, Japanese market, property management, real estate trends, vacation rentals
• YukiHomes was founded by two friends who love skiing and snowboarding• The company helps foreigners buy and manage properties in Japan, particularly for Airbnb• Most clients are Americans and Australians looking for ski homes• Properties can be purchased for as low as $20,000, but renovations are often required• Airbnb listings in Japan require a lengthy and bureaucratic licensing process• Foreign buyers typically need to purchase with cash, as mortgage options are limited• Instagram is the primary lead source for YukiHomes• Japanese domestic tourists often prefer different amenities than foreign guests• While Japan has many vacant homes, not all are good investment opportunities• Ski towns in Japan are seeing growing foreign interest and capital inflows

Join us as we dive into the vibrant world of real estate and lifestyle in Colombia with Mike, a seasoned investor and entrepreneur. From navigating the bustling streets of Medellin to exploring investment opportunities in Panama, Mike shares his journey of building a real estate empire. Discover the challenges and rewards of investing in Colombia, the cultural nuances, and the economic potential that this dynamic country offers. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just curious about international real estate, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

In this episode, Daniel Foch and Dave Hutch delve into the world's most expensive cities to live in and the factors contributing to housing affordability. They discuss various cities, including Canadian locations, and compare the cost of living against housing prices. The conversation highlights the impact of economic drivers, urbanization, and the unique challenges faced by different regions in the real estate market.

In this episode of Real Estate Without Borders, Daniel Foch interviews Ian Colville from Carpathian Capital, discussing the intricacies of international real estate investing. They explore the challenges faced by foreign investors, the current housing shortage, and the concept of the 'missing middle' in housing. Ian shares insights on lending dynamics, the cultural differences in homeownership, and the implications of inflation on real estate. The conversation also touches on the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as well as tax strategies for foreign investors looking to navigate the US market.

Check out Carpathian here: https://carpathiancapital.com/our-team/