Can you tell us something about your business as a Real Estate Professional?
I am a real estate professional serving the greater Houston area, including surrounding cities like Katy, Sugarland, Pearland, Spring and Cypress. Real estate works a little different here than in the Netherlands. In general, there’s a seller’s side and a buyer’s side, each represented by their own broker/agent. This allows a professional approach to a process that in general involves more variables and liabilities than what we’re used to in The Netherlands AND each party has its own representation, where the broker/agent has the fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interest of his/her own client. As a real estate professional, I’m an independent contractor currently working under Walzel Properties, a large independent Texan broker.
I got into real estate because… You could easily find me looking for homes, lots, and real estate opportunities in my spare time. When I was looking for a change, it was obvious I should do something with that. I love interacting with people and help them move on, whether it’s selling, buying, or leasing a residential home or helping them with real estate investments or get them suitable business locations. It’s a very interactive process with lots of moving parts. No two deals are the same, which makes this business interesting and keeps me going. Houston is probably the most diverse city I know, and I enjoy working with people of all nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds.
In addition to directly helping people with buying, selling, and leasing real estate, I’ve recently expanded my services and obtained my mortgage loan originator’s license as well. If you need a competitive mortgage or would like to refinance, give me a call as well.
Why did you choose to do business in Texas?
We happened to move here about 12 years ago and decided to stay. Texas is the Lone Star State for a reason. It’s huge and has lots of opportunities. The Houston Metropolitan area is growing and developing in an unparalleled speed. Many people are moving from and especially to Houston, both from other states in the US as well as internationally. There’s so much space and opportunities that many people want to move to Houston to make their dreams come true. I really like helping them start off well and get them settled here.
What kind of advice can you give to Dutch entrepreneurs who want to do business in Texas?
Compared to the Netherlands, the US is a high risk, high reward country. If you’re smart and work hard it can be really rewarding. The US is super diverse, in environment, climate and people. You cannot compare Texas to California or the North-East. Greater Houston, i.e. the Houston Metropolitan Area, is the most diverse area I know, which makes it a very interesting place to be, both in interacting with the people and exploring the food that is available here. It’s an adventure to live here and explore all the new opportunities.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if I can help you get started here as well!
