Holland, but I moved to France in 1982. I was always interested in French culture and my husband and I requested to be transferred to Paris.
I arrived in Paris in 1995, so 13 years. What I love about living here is "le vin, le pain, et le Boursin".
I like the way Flat Hunter® is organized. I have my own clients and the company supports me logistically and commercially while at the same time I get to work as a team with 14 other experts and we learn so much from each other. It’s great to be able to discuss ideas and opportunities and everyone is so proactive and creative. The ambiance is just great and the professional support and structure makes it the best property search service in the city.
I was a piano teacher for 15 years and I wanted to do something completely different while still having time for my children. I took a competence and compatibility test and the results said that apartment hunter was the trade for me! In the end it really is and I enjoy it so much! At first I worked in both but the property searches turned out to be a lot of work and a lot of fun so I gave up teaching Piano.
Using the database at Flat Hunter® allows me to see the properties immediately when they come on the market and so I feel I have privileged access that makes my work successful. I also love that Paris is this wonderful multicultural city. Finally, I love interior decorating, and being a property search expert allows me to see lots of interiors!
Because it’s an excellent investment! Paris is the most visited city in the world but not the most expensive. London and New York are notably more expensive so it is almost guaranteed that the prices in Paris will continue to rise. Paris is defined by the Peripherique and it cannot get any bigger which is why while prices in France are dropping, in Paris they are still raising.
Firstly I like to listen to my clients needs and meet them so be honest and open about what you really want so I can properly assess the search. Also look at your financial situation before we start the apartment search so that you know what is possible in your budget. Secondly be reactive; check your emails and give as much feedback as possible on the descriptions and photos of the apartments I send you. Let me know what you like and don’t like. Together we can save a lot of time! And last but not least when we begin visiting apartments in Paris together try to stick to a timeframe. Respect the hours and be on time because even if you are in Paris on holiday, real estate never waits!
I work in the 1st to the 9th arrondissements as well as the 16th and 17th.
I like all of the arrondissements that I specialize in but I may have a preference for the 5th, 6th and 7th. I have a good relationship with a lot of agencies here and I find that the people are open and welcoming in both the agencies and independent sellers. The mood is very international and with my accent I fit in perfectly!
The 5th, 6th, and 7th arrondissements are expensive but they are a good investment. They are multicultural and lively, central and near the river, all the buildings are old, and there is a great deal of charm. Even foreigners know this area as it has a soul.
I think that our searches are all very different but the Haussmannien style is very much in demand and of course there is the ideal apartment: Bright, quiet, spacious, a high floor with an elevator, etc.
I always take the Metro. I love taking the metro, but then I don’t have to take it at rush hour. We can take the metro to one spot, walk and see lots of places, and then take it again. I also like to watch people on the metro: how they behave, how they are dressed, etc.
Twice this year the seller has gotten along very well with my clients and has rejected higher offers in order to give the apartment to them. I have coached my clients in that and am happy with the result! I tell them that they need to be careful because the seller can choose who to sell it to. Be charming, likeable and reliable (that is why it’s so important to be on time: owner’s want to find a serious buyer!).
Going to the cinema or to concerts, going out with my family and friends, playing the piano with my daughter, and doing a bit of gardening.
