All language subtitles for Worlds.Bargain.Dream.Homes.S01E10.1080p.WEB.h264-EDITH_Track03

This view is priceless.

[narrator] Imagine a world of
bargain dream real estate.

-Just $41,000.
-[man] What?

This is unheard of
for the States.

Global destinations...

Bonjour.

I'm gonna embarrass myself.
Fromagerie.

I love it.

Great way to meet
your neighbors.

-Yeah.
-[groups laughs]

This architecture is amazing.

...and local expert know-how.

[woman #1] The cost of
this in the States...

[woman #2] I think would
be double for sure.

The cost of living here is
so much more affordable

than the U.S.

It is definitely a bargain.

Thank you.

You can afford to live
your dream...

I can't believe this is
going to be my new home.

...at a price you never
thought possible.

You did incredible!

This is exactly what
we came all this way for.

[Ashley] Look at those
beautiful birds.

And they get to spend
every day out here.

-Nothing but ocean for miles.
-I know.

It's a no-brainer that
I want to live here, right?

I know.
I see why now.

Now you see.

[music plays]

Panama, the vibrant
Central American country,

known for its world-famous
shipping canal.

With over 1,500 miles of
coastline and a population of

just over 4 million, Panama is
attracting Americans dreaming

of beachfront living
and a stress-free lifestyle.

Bordering Costa Rica
to the north and Colombia

to the south, from Miami,
it's just a three-hour flight

to the capital, Panama City,
where skyscrapers meet jungle

in the Metropolitan
Natural Park.

Here, they use
the U.S. dollar as one of
the official currencies,

and you can still buy a home
for under $150,000 U.S.

[Ashley] I always knew
I wanted to live abroad.

I'm from Houston, Texas.

Came to Panama just for a visit
and decided to never leave.

Back home in the United States,
when I lost my parents, I was

dealing with a lot of
mental and physical illness.

I started 2024 traveling.

Living in Panama City for
a year has shown me that life

could be a lot less stressful
than it is in the U.S.

I've been able to slow down.
I've lost a ton of weight.

I feel healthier
mentally and physically.

I'm not doing
this house search alone.

I'm bringing my sister.

She's flown all the way down
from Mississippi

to come and help me
on this search.

[Keisha] I'm Keisha.

Ashley's my baby sister.
And I'm here to help.

I chose Panama Pacific Coast
because of

the peace and the quiet.

Better than Texas.

To help Ashley find
her forever home requires

local knowledge.

Panama has a lot
to offer to people.

It's very affordable,
it's got all the amenities

you might be looking for,
and this quality of life

allows people to live better.

Hi, it's nice to meet you.

-Nice to meet you, too.
-[Ashley] Hi.

Tell me, why
the Panamanian Pacific Coast?

Well, I'm temporarily living
in Panama City.

It gets a little noisy there
sometimes, so I wanted

to live somewhere
that's near the beach

and somewhere
that's much more quieter.

So how do you feel about
your sister moving permanently

to Panama?
-It's been such an adjustment.

We still talk about
every day.

What are you looking for?

I'm looking for a two
to three-bedroom home,

somewhere that has
a large kitchen.

I love to cook.
I love plants.

I would like to have a garden
and somewhere that's

near the beach.

Not to mention
we want hot water.

Just make sure we have
hot water.

That is definitely a change
because we talk a lot

and she's told me that,
you know, some places

don't have hot water.

As a Panamanian, we don't
take hot showers

because it's already
hot outside.
-Yes.

And what about budget?
What's your budget?

My budget is $150,000
to $200,000.

But I still need a little room
to be able to furnish the place

and purchase a car.

Tell me, how are you making
this work in terms of money?

Financially, I've saved
for years and years

to buy my dream home.

I purposely did not purchase
a home in the U.S.

because I always knew I wanted
to purchase a home abroad.

Cost of living in Panama
is 50% cheaper

than in United States.
-Mm-hmm.

So your money,
it's gonna stretch out.

Wow!
I'm about to back up.

[laughing]

Ashley's
concentrating her search

in the Panama Oeste province,

which is located
west of the capital.

Being so close to the city,
this region's proving popular

with buyers seeking great value
and more space.

And with a host of visa options

that lead to permanent
residency,

it's easy for U.S. citizens
to buy here.

-We need to get some gas.
-OK.

Is that the price of gas?
83 cents?

-Per gallon.
-[Olga] Yeah.

But gas in the U.S.
is how much?

$3 a gallon.
Is this serious?

And then they pump
your gas, too?

I told you.
Gracias.

-Gracias.
-Gracias.

Hey, I'm getting the hang of
this Panamanian thing.

Gracias.

Just a 15-minute drive from
the coast is the town of Chame.

Here, you'll find
all the basic amenities.

[Olga] You see,
the location is great.

We're only 10 minutes from
the house, and we've got bars,

restaurants, grocery store.
There's a lot going on.

So everything's
pretty convenient.

-Yeah.
-OK.

-[Olga] Absolutely.
-[Ashley] Sounds good.

This modern home is part of
a recently built complex

with a stunning community pool.

It's 15 minutes from the beach,

and Panama City is
within commuting distance.

The location is great
for only $125,000.

-Wow.
-[Olga] Imagine that.

That's about $25,000
below my lowest.

-Ooh, wow.
-Wow.

This is very spacious
for $125,000.

It really is.

[Ashley] Yeah, I did not think
it would be so large in here.

This contemporary living
and dining space leads out

to a large backyard,
something that's high

on Ashley's wish list.

There are also two
bedrooms and a bathroom.

I know you want to check
the hot water.

-Right.
-That's only important to you,
by the way.

-[Ashley] But...
-[laughing]

-[Keisha] I think
it's getting hot.
-[Ashley] OK.

-We've got hot water.
-We can check that off the list.

Yeah.

The space, it's really,
it's really spacious in here.

Look, you have room
for a dining table.

-Then here's the living area.
-I just like that it's so open.

-[Keisha] It's a bathroom.
-[Ashley] Yeah.

[Keisha] The shower has, um,

like, windows.
-[Ashley] Yeah.

[Ashley] Oh, those are windows.

So somebody's gonna be
watching me shower?

No, I think
it's frosted glass.

-I'm gonna shower while
you get in the bath.
-[Ashley] Oh my gosh.

-What in the world?
-[Ashley] I don't know.

That's a bidet, so you might
not want to...

I don't want to...

That's for your bum, not,
you know, any other part

of your body.

Let's go.
Oh, my goodness.

I don't know
what to do with you.

[music plays]

OK, this is pretty decent.

It's not huge,
but it's a pretty decent space.

-[Ashley] What do you think?
-[Keisha] It's a pretty
nice size, I think.

We could work with it.

OK, what about this bedroom?

Oh.
It looks like a built-in bed.

Oh.

It is.

This place seems like
it's pretty great

for storage solutions.

The thing I like the most is
a small complex

with only 10 units.

For Ashley, this is gonna
be perfect.

She's gonna have room
to breathe.

Oh, my God.
Look at this garden!

-I get all of this for $125,000?
-[Keisha] I'm surprised.

-This is such a surprise.
-[Ashley] It's amazing.

And look, there's your own
little house.

[Keisha] Oh, I'm gonna
get in it.

I guess I'll get in here when
you put me out and get

sick of me.
-[Ashley] That'll be every day.

You should be ashamed.
Put me in the dog...

-[Ashley] Is that
a coconut tree?
-[Keisha] Right.

-[Keisha] I've never seen
a coconut tree.
-[Ashley] Wow.

[Ashley] Lots of parts
for you then.

This home offers Ashley
total tranquility.

The loudest thing she'll hear
is the neighbor's chickens.

I hear chickens.

What's that face?

I guess you want to hear
them, but I don't know why.

Oh, I love the sound
of chickens.

It just makes me feel like
so in touch with nature.

[Keisha] Well,
cock-a-doodle-doo.

[laughing]

-[Olga] What are your thoughts?
-I love the home.

I was pleasantly surprised
with the space.

For $125,000, I think that
it's definitely a bargain.

I certainly
think it's a steal.

The bathroom was
a little tight, but I think

I could possibly work with it.

Mm-hmm, I'd definitely consider
purchasing a new car with that

extra $25,000.
-Sounds like a plan.

Sounds like it.

[singing in Spanish]

High on Ashley's wish list is
being close to the beach,

so we're driving 15 minutes
to the coast.

Playa Gorgona is a low-key
fishing beach where locals buy

the catch of the day.

-Jose.
-[speaking Spanish]

[Olga & Jose, speaking Spanish]

In Panama, you can buy
catch of the day, fresh,

for half the price you get it
in the supermarket.

Perfect for Ashley,
who loves to cook.

[Ashley] We can grill that one.

-She may not eat any,
but I sure will.
-I'll just watch.

[Olga] It's gonna
be very healthy.
Look at this.

Red snapper.
One of the best.

-[Olga] Look at this, Keisha.
-That thing is ugly.

-It's coming for you.
-[Keisha] No, it's not.

[laughing]

-It looks just like her.
-This is the ugliest one.

[Olga] I need to wash my hands.

[laughing]

-With the fish this fresh...

[speaking Spanish]

-[Olga] She says,
"It's made with love."
-Made with love.

...it's no surprise that
Panama's coastal staple,

ceviche, is served here.

It's got onions, vinegar,
also lemon juice,

seafood, which is raw.
-Raw?

Yes, raw.
But it's cooked by lemon juice.

[Olga] Try it.
Go ahead.

It's different.

-It is.
-I'm not really a shrimp lover,

but this is really good.
It's so fresh.

I can taste lots of
the lemon juice.

[Ashley] That's refreshing.

[Olga] It's one of the best
snacks you can get.

This is not like Mississippi.
It is very fresh, I will say.

-[Ashley] You don't like it?
-It is very fresh.

It's not my cup of tea.

We'll see if we can find you
some fried fish later.

-That sounds better.
-[laughing]

Next, Olga's taking Ashley
along the coast to view

a great-value home that's
right on the beach.

El Palmar is a quiet,
secluded beach surrounded

by nature and perfect
for anyone seeking peace.

This is a great
beach community.

Lots of greenery,
nice landscaping,

a beautiful ocean view.

You won't believe it

when you see it.
-[Ashley] I cannot wait
to see it.

This epic high-rise condo has
unrivaled views

of the coastline.

Ashley will get a lot for
her money here,

as residents have access
to four pools,

a bar, and concierge.

The closest town, San Carlos,

is just a five-minute
drive away.

-Well, here we are.
-It's beautiful.

-This is amazing.
-It is gorgeous.

-I love the view.
-I love the infrastructure
of the place.

I love how modern it looks.

Can you tell me how much
the HOA fees

and maintenance fees are?
-Yes, they're $149 a month.

They haven't gone up
in 10 years,

so will likely keep the same.
-Wow.

How much does a place
like this cost?

Well, $184,000.

It's actually listed
at that price.

We would find nothing
like this in the States.

[Olga] Of course.

-[Olga] Take a look.
-[Ashley] Can't wait.

[Ashley] Thank you.

-Mm, do you feel the air?
-[Keisha] I do.

-It's got air.
-OK.

Situated on the second floor,
this modern condo has

two bedrooms,
a balcony,

and an open-concept kitchen
and living space.

[Ashley] The kitchen,

well...

-[Keisha] It's very small.
-Yeah.

[Ashley] I think I could deal
with the smaller kitchen more so

than I could with the lack
of storage space.

-Is there hot water?
-[both laugh]

I don't know, Ashley.

[Ashley] I don't know.
It may not have hot water.

I don't think so.

But when you're in paradise,
some things you have

to let go of.
Little bar area there.

-And look at the view.
-Oh, my God.

Look at that view.

Wow.
It's definitely relaxing.

It's definitely giving
the green space that I wanted.

All the trees, ocean sounds.
It's very relaxing.

And that tranquility
that I wanted.

Oh, there's a little walk-in
closet area there.

Yeah, the room
is not too large.

Oh.

Pretty tight in here.

I think I want a bigger space
for my bathroom,

especially if it's the only one.

OK, let's check out
the second bedroom.

-[Ashley] Wow.
-[Keisha] Is this
considered a bedroom?

I have to agree with you
on this one.

This one's pretty tight.

I may not be buying the place,
but I am very opinionated.

And when I come to stay,
I want to be comfortable, too.

-[Olga] How was it?
-[Ashley] It was good
to see everything.

I love the view,
but it's a little bit small.

That second, I guess,
guest bedroom, it really wasn't

any privacy in there.

I think overall, it was just
a pretty small, tight space.

Yeah, I think we do need
to keep looking.

[Olga] We have to figure it out.

[music plays]

I wanna show you something.

Ashley and sister Keisha are
getting an inside tour

of the Oeste Coast in Panama...

[Olga] I want you
to try raspao.

...where roadside stalls
are part of everyday life.

[Olga] Raspao is shaved ice.

It tastes very good.

-Oh, look at this!
-Wow!

-[Ashley] [laughs] Wow.
-[honking]

-[honking]
-Woo!

[loud music plays]

-[laughing]
-That's very Panamanian.

Diablo rojo.
Red Devil.

Salud.

In search of a bigger house,
Olga's taking Ashley

a few miles back inland to see
a great value detached home

near Chame.

This quiet, suburban
2,690 square foot home

offers much more space.

It's close to the highway
with excellent road links

to the city and beach.

A similar size in Houston,
Texas would cost an average

of $470,000 U.S.

[Ashley] Wow, it's huge.

-[Keisha] It's very orange.
-[Olga] This location is great.

It's only 10 minutes from
the beach, and I believe

this is the house for you
because the space,
it's awesome.

It's everything you've wanted.
This is top end of your budget.

It's $200,000,
but it's still negotiable.

It's the top end of my budget,
so I was hoping to find

something a little lower.

The house looks huge,
so I can't wait to see

what it has to offer.

[Keisha] Let's go take
a look at our mansion.

[Ashley] Oh, my goodness.

Wow.
So spacious already.

Whoa, look at the kitchen!

This large bungalow has
three bedrooms, two bathrooms,

a backyard, and a large
living and kitchen space,

perfect for hosting
family and friends.

-I could have a party in here.
-Right.

Hey, me and you both
and my five kids
could fit in here.

I see you cooking us dinner
in here.

[Ashley] I think so, too.

-[whispers] I like it.
-You like something?

[normally]
I'm pleasantly surprised.

Let's check out
the main thing, hot water.

The hot water.

There is hot water.

[Ashley] Wow, it's even
a huge living space.

[Keisha] I know, it's very open.
I like this.

It's so comfy.

I probably would have to change
some things around in here

because that window's
completely covered.

I would definitely have to
be able to see outside

that window.
I wouldn't want it covered up.

Oh, here's a nice-size room
and it has the window.

-Mm-hmm.
-Lots of light
and lots of space.

Yep.

Wow, and this must be
the principal bedroom.

-[Keisha] I like this.
-Plenty of space in here.

[Ashley] And what's in here?
Oh, it's a bathroom.

-Oh, it's kind of tight.
-[Keisha] Kind of tight.

The bathroom may be small,

but the same can't be said
for the backyard.

[Ashley] Oh, my God!

This is a whole entire
other room!

Oh, my God!

-I'm in paradise for real!
-I knew you would love that.

Ashley, we're home.

Home sweet home.

-Wow, can you see us in there?
-[Keisha] I can, I know it.

[Ashley] Too bad we didn't
bring our swimsuits.

[Keisha] You would be living in
paradise in your own house.

[Ashley] I think so.

Wow, there's even an outdoor
kitchen prep space.

[Keisha] I know it.

Wow, I don't know
how I can pass this up.

[Keisha] I love it.

-[Ashley] I do, too.
-[Keisha] The garden
is so beautiful.

-It is beautiful.
-It reminds me of Mom.

OK, I'm sorry.

I think it's perfect.

Maybe we'll come plant
some sunflowers.

[Keisha] In her honor.

-How was it?
-Loved it for sure.

I knew you would love it.

It's spacious enough for myself,
my family, my visitors,

maybe some downfalls
of the property.

The principal bathroom
is pretty narrow,

but the garden is the most
incredible thing that I saw.

It's $200,000.
What do you think about it?

That's the top of my budget.

So that's, I know
it can be negotiable.

So I'm looking forward to
seeing what we can do there.

And you think you're gonna
put an offer on it?

I would like to put in
an offer for $175,000.

Let's call the owner
right away.

OK, sounds good.
Let's do it.

[indistinct].

[Keisha] I think we're getting
a house, whoo-hoo!

After rejecting the two other
properties, Ashley set

her heart on the Sunshine House
and is making an offer.

[Keisha] I love
the Sunshine House, though.

I think I could just feel mom
there every day.

[speaking Spanish]

I know that the asking price
for the Sunshine House was

$200,000, and you're gonna
offer $175,000.

Why do you think you're gonna
offer a little lower than that?

You know, moving so much
further away from the city,

I need to have a car to be able
to transport my things and just

walk pretty much everywhere
in Panama City.

But here, I think
I would need a car.

[speaking Spanish]

So there's no wiggle room
on the $175,000?

No, unfortunately,
I don't think so.

I have to consider the other
things I need to do

in order to prepare
for the move.

-Well, how's it going?
-Going pretty good.

-Do you have good news for us?
-Well, I have some news.

-[Ashley] Mm-hmm.
-There's an offer on the table.

-Oh.
-It's for $180,000,

and owner thinks
this is too low.

So if the owner's thinking
this is too low and my offer

was lower, what do you think?

I think you should
go for a $190,000.

Well, then that only leaves me
about a $10,000 wiggle room,

and I still need to be able

to furnish the place
and purchase a car.

I see your point.

I think it's just
a little too much.

Any wiggle room?

Sure you don't wanna
think about it, maybe?

Just think about the house.

Yeah, I'm thinking about
that garden for sure.

Maybe a counter offer?

We just have some things
to think about.

OK.

Hola, hola.

I put in an offer at
the Sunshine House

for $175K.

I needed to stick to my budget
because I know I'd need a car

living that far away
from the city.

Sadly, that offer was rejected.

I absolutely love living in
the country of Panama.

I've decided to renew my lease
for one year.

I'm so excited to continue
searching for my forever home.

-[laughing]
-[music plays]