Navigating the real estate market can be a daunting task, but for Thomas, a 38-year-old structural engineer working in the maritime industry, the journey to finding his dream home in the Netherlands was both challenging and rewarding. Growing up in a small village near Utrecht, Thomas always cherished the charm and tranquility of village life. This appreciation for authentic, serene environments set the stage for his future home search, where he aimed to find a place that would provide his young family with the same sense of comfort and peace he had enjoyed during his childhood.

From Ambition to Reality

Thomas's professional life is as demanding as it is fascinating, specializing in structural engineering for the maritime sector. Thomas embarked on the housing journey in the mid-2010s. Thomas's decision to purchase a house was catalyzed by securing a permanent job in 2013, following a period of professional uncertainty. "I needed a fixed contract to start looking for a house," Thomas recalls. "Once I got that, around 2014-15, I began my search." 

Despite the general perception of a continuous housing crisis, Thomas noticed a market rebound around this time. "The real house crisis started in 2009, but by 2013-14, things were recovering. When I started looking in 2015, there were a lot of choices."

Choosing the Perfect Location

The quest for the perfect home took Thomas through various neighborhoods and housing options. Originally from a village near Utrecht, Thomas wanted to maintain that small-town feel. "I’m not a city person," he explains. Initially drawn to Leidsche Rijn, a rapidly expanding area near Utrecht, Thomas found the housing options limited and expensive. "The houses within my budget were small, with small gardens. I really wanted a garage for all of my hobbies." This realization led him to expand his search to nearby areas, ultimately discovering the quaint village of Harmelen. "I visited about ten houses before finding the one," Thomas says. "The market was changing quickly, so I had to act fast." 

Harmelen struck a chord with Thomas. Its peaceful village atmosphere, historical character, and convenient access to major highways made it an ideal location. “I liked the village feeling of Harmelen. It’s calm, has some historical character, and it’s close to the highway, making it very accessible,” Thomas explains. This blend of tranquility and practicality made Harmelen the perfect backdrop for the life he envisioned for his family.

The Bidding and Mortgage Process

Thomas navigated the house purchase largely on his own, initially. "I found the house through Funda and handled the search myself," he says. Securing a mortgage was another hurdle. Initially, Thomas tried an online mortgage advisor, only to face complications that led to a declined loan. Learning from this experience, he sought out online another independent advisor who provided a more personalized and supportive service. This decision proved crucial in navigating the complex paperwork and bidding process, highlighting the importance of professional guidance in such significant financial endeavors. "He did more than just financial advising; he helped with bargaining for the house."

The negotiation process took a couple of weeks, and the final agreed price was lower than the asking price, a situation quite different from today's market. The house he finally chose was listed at 250,000 euros, and after a series of negotiations, he secured it for 230,000 euros. “It was a bit of a strange process. I even went lower in my bid at one point, but we finally met in between,” he recalls, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of the real estate market.

Moving and Renovating

With the keys in hand, Thomas embarked on the next phase: moving in and making the house a home. The transition was ambitious, with a planned two-week overlap between his rental apartment and the new house. However, as with many renovation projects, it took longer than expected. Despite the initial rush, Thomas has gradually transformed the house, infusing it with their personality and style over the next eight years.

Life in Harmelen

Living in Harmelen has been a rewarding experience for Thomas. The village offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life: "It's a calm village with a historical character," he recalls. Though it comes with minor inconveniences like occasional noise from the nearby highway and limited public transport. Yet, these are small trade-offs for the quality of life the village provides.

The house itself, a corner property with a front, back, and side garden, provides ample space and sunlight. "The orientation is great. We have sun all day in the garden," Thomas says. The house features three bedrooms, a top-floor room, and importantly, a garage where Thomas indulged in his hobby of woodcrafting. “I used to do a lot of woodcrafting, making furniture", he shares.

Looking Ahead

As Thomas, his wife, and their six-month-old daughter consider future moving overseas in the future, they plan to keep their Harmelen home as a fallback. "We might rent it out. It’s good to have a base in the Netherlands to return to if needed," he explains. 

Reflecting on his journey, Thomas advises future buyers to allow more time for renovations and to carefully choose their advisors. "Give yourself at least a month for overlapping time to renovate. And find a good financial advisor who can guide you through the process," he suggests.

Thomas’s story is a testament to the rewards of patience and perseverance in the home-buying process. His experience underscores the importance of finding a place that truly feels like home, even if it takes a bit longer than expected.