Discover how Rachel (51), an American expat living in the Netherlands, navigated the process of buying her dream home in a country and culture foreign to her.
As an expat, I had an excellent job as a partner at a large law firm and earned a very good salary. However, I decided to start freelancing, which changed my financial situation. Without a clear salary, achieving my financial goals became challenging, especially when it came to obtaining a mortgage.
For an expat, securing a mortgage is always challenging. You’re not familiar with local procedures, you’re in a different country with a different language, and building a credit history is difficult. These obstacles made it even harder when my partner and I decided to sell our home and move to the other side of the Netherlands to our dream house.
The process of finding a new home was both exciting and daunting. We spent countless weekends visiting different neighbourhoods, exploring various types of properties, and imagining our future. Each house had its charm, but we finally found a place that felt perfect for us—a cozy yet spacious home with a beautiful garden and plenty of room for our hobbies and guests. However, the joy of finding our dream home was soon overshadowed by the challenge of securing a mortgage.
My private banker listened attentively to my story and understood the unique challenges I was facing. He reassured me and said, 'We will find a solution that fits your situation.
From the first moment of contact with ABN AMRO MeesPierson, I noticed a world of difference compared to my previous experience with other lenders. My private banker listened attentively to my story and understood the unique challenges I was facing. He reassured me and said, "We will find a solution that fits your situation."
What followed was an experience of tailored solutions and personal attention. My private banker thoroughly analysed my financial situation and offered solutions specifically tailored to my needs. He took the time to understand the nature of my freelance work, reviewed my past earnings, and even considered future potential. This comprehensive analysis allowed him to craft a mortgage plan that matched my irregular income pattern. He also provided additional support, such as advice on managing my investments and savings, ensuring I had a solid financial plan moving forward. This customized approach enabled us to secure the financing for our dream home. Now, my partner and I live in a house we have always dreamed of.
