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Arjen Hardesmeets is an Independent Mortgage Advisor and specializes in helping Expats finance purchasing their property in NL. We interviewed Arjan to find out more…
Q. Arjen, you’ve had quite a lot of experience as an independent mortgage broker in NL – what made you want to extend your services specifically to Expats and how is working with Expats different to working with Dutch clients?
A. About 6 years ago I moved from Limburg, in the south of the Netherlands, to Amsterdam. Already I was an independent mortgage adviser for many years, but when I moved to Amsterdam, because of my experience I was lucky to be introduced to several expat communities. I found out that working with people coming all over the world made me very happy and it was very satisfying. Being in a group of expats always brought me by introductions to new people. Friends, collegues etc. All kind of people new in Holland, not famillary with dutch regulations and laws and looking for someone professional and independent to guide through the whole purchase- and mortgage process. I always like to take people by the hand and being the guide in mortgage process
Q. Is it more difficult to get a mortgage in NL if you are an Expat and what are the challenges you and the clients face?
A. Often the process is rather simullar then doing a mortgage application for a non expat, but it really depends the mortgage provider and the situation. Some providers are more strict considering like type of resident card, since how long you are in the Netherlands and the percentage of the market value they eventually want to borrow. As an independent professional I know the specific policies from providers and can make the best comparisons to come to the best advise.
Contact Arjen Hardesmeets at Team Concepts, www.teamconcepts.nl
+31 0643030271
Expats in the Spotlight
Hidden Gems
While, a lot of our listings include the necessary every day products & services we need, sometimes we discover the extraordinary “hidden gems” that you would probably stumble across only by chance. These are the smaller entrepreneurs like artisans making beautiful “one off pieces” of hand made jewellery to designers of sustainable leather goods with a mission to “give animals a voice”, to artists using their culture and heritage to create their unique work. Individuals like these can often get lost in a sea of branded products and services, that’s why we want to give them an extra boost and give them their own place to shine on Expats Directory!
We met ethical accessories designer, Jo Heath at the ISA Christmas market (International School of Amsterdam) and were blown away by not only her beautiful creations but also the ethos behind her brand, which is to “give animals a voice through her nature inspired bags & accessories”.
By using sustainable materials and donating a share of all sales to wildlife charities, Jo offers beautiful designs which also give back to nature.
“When you buy a bag or accessory, you don’t have to take away from the environment or compromise on good design. Instead, it’s about combining the best of both” – Jo Heath
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