The next step in living in Holland is actually settling down. So when commercials advertising Openhuis (open house) started showing on regional television, I decided to take the leap and seriously start researching the property market in Holland.
During an Openhuis sellers open their homes to potential buyers. The whole process is very relaxed although still professional. At each house I was offered a cup of coffee and a glossy brochure detailing everything I might want to know about the property. And some info I would never even have considered to ask—for example, when the house was painted and how old the heating system was. Details which turned out to be very important when different brochures and asking prices were compared later that night, still buzzing on caffeine.
Buying a home is a big step. Sometimes it feels more like a step off a cliff while praying there are no jagged rocks below. It could be risky, not just for the buyers but for the money-lenders as well. A myriad home loan (“hypotheken”) options are available to potential new home owners and initially I felt completely overwhelmed by all the possible payment (even non-payment!) options. But after a few free introduction consultations with hypotheek providers I have a much clearer understanding of what is available and what could possibly work for us. It is also recommended that home buyers use the services of a buying-agent (“aankoopmakelaar”) to act on their behalf in the negotiation process and beyond. So at least I will have the benefit of an expert to bounce any questions off. Albeit at a price.
Strolling in and out of an array of middle, corner and twee onder een kap (semi-detached) homes, hoping to find a nest to fluff my feathers in, I realise that the weather is starting to turn and that Spring is in the air. Even though it is still single digit temperatures outside, people are venturing out for a smoke wearing only a T-shirt. Wonderful purple and white blooms are starting to pop out of the lawns where they had been waiting out winter. Watching nature get ready for its spring explosion is absolutely fascinating and I cannot wait to see what summer will bring. I just know it will be exactly as spectacular as people have been telling me all along.
Another sign of the gathering seasonal change is revealed in advertising pamphlets. The visuals are suddenly brimming with outdoor scenes and laughing people in sleeveless shirts. Gardening equipment and bikes are advertised at blooming good prices. And although these advertising brochures can sometimes be a nuisance, it’s a nuisance you can choose or not. You can actually stick a sticker on your post slot saying if you want them or not. As a newcomer to the country I find them massively beneficial. In them I have a weekly snapshot of what things cost and where the best specials are. Since we need just about everything since moving here, knowing where to find what is a good idea.
After living here for three months I have a fairly good idea of what the big brand chain stores offer in terms of quality, vibe and pricing. But for a while I was thoroughly confused as I was constantly mobbed by kids in front of Albert Hein. I had no idea what was going on, until the supermarket’s soccer craze hit the news. I had to smile. I never took the offered soccer cards at the kassa (checkout) because I thought they were coupons. And coupons are something I have no idea what to do with. I don’t even know if they are paid for or free. So as a result I politely declined whenever anyone offered me anything but the kassabon, the till slip. So that’s what the kids were after! Albert Hein stores were handing out cards with soccer stars and the kids were picketing strangers for unused stickers! Living in a strange country means something like this, which a local would find completely run-of-the-mill, still takes me some time to figure out. Much to my embarrassment sometimes.
Another delightful advertising newbie is stickers where you decide what discount you want. Anything from 5% to 50%. Once you stick the stickers on a product at the specific store, you get the discount you choose on the product you want! Don’t know if it’s just me but I think it’s fantastic idea. Like free icing on top of an oliebol.
Something else I love about Holland is its recycling policies. In my home country recycling is something hippies do. Recently, tough economic times have forced people into cardboard and tin can recycling, while some gardeners still have the compost heap in the back. But what happens here is done on an official, well-structured scale. Four different sets of garbage removal truck come on four different days over a two week period. Some of the trucks have a mechanical arm picking up and replacing the garbage can, while other have guys running around after the bins. Glass is your own responsibility, but with well-marked recycling bins stacked around every corner, it’s super easy and convenient. Some stores even give a form of coupon for returned glass – but once again with my couponphobia I’m not sure how that works.
What I also find fascinating is how easy recycling is. Although I’ve never recycled in my life, I now find it completely natural. The spin-off is that as a consumer I now consciously avoid buying extra plastic bags or less friendly packaging like styrofoam or tinfoil. Go Planet!
When you move to a new country, it really is a case of living a completely new life. Things are similar but nothing is quite the same. For me, everything has changed, from working habits to food consumed and waste created. Where before I lived on prepared meals and take aways, I now use fresh produce bought at the weekly market in Bennekom or Ede. Whereas previously I used to live on red meat, I now stir-fry fish and chicken. Lamb and mutton, which were once staples are now something bought once a month for a king’s ransom at our local keurslager, our choice butcher. Like most of the specialist stores in the town, I have found these types of businesses to be exceptionally high in quality and expertise. These are real artists in their fields, whether they’re butchers or bakers or shoemakers. Often the business has been in the family for generations so with it comes a definite sense of quality, pride and craftsmanship which I truly admire.
After the initial shock of mere survival in the first few month of my stay, I now have the opportunity to really submerge myself in Dutch being. From finding out about the property market, to finding out more about the political and social nature of Dutch society. Coming from a country where race dominates most political, social and economical issues, I find it fascinating watching how Dutch society decides on policies.
So I joined the library in Wageningen for my daily dose of news and opinion. The library is a wonderful space. Modern facilities (with free wi-fi!), all the daily news you can consume and coffee on tap. Also a great selection of Dutch literature which helps me practice my language skills. Becoming a member of the library was definitely one of the best moves I had made since coming here. Apart from coming here of course.
Tags: buying a house, expat life, recycling
Wow Lizelle it really sounds like heaven there – I hear about so much of it from Greg’s family and you are making it sound even more appealing!