Wed, 23 May 2012
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Here is an introduction on what to expect when moving to Belgium and deciding what to do with renting a home in Brussels, buying a home in Ghent, and everything in between.
The "off the radar" comment is certainly true. We found our home by the newspapers, the free papers (like VLAN and others), and some word of mouth. We did ride around (mostly my wife and her sister) and call using cell phones on the spot. Finally, we found a wonderful home with everything we wanted.
Differences: Hidden defects are not protected as well and you sign a waiver at posession. There is no MLS (multiple listing service) like other countries (i.e. USA) so you do have a lot of work to do by yourself. Realtors are there but don't seem "driven" and often are not very well informed. The end justifies the means; we sought avidly and succeeded finally negotiating the price down an astonishingly large amount over lunch with the owner and nobody else and made the deal with a glass of wine and a handshake. There are built in delays in purchases (does that surprise you?), but we had our finances in order in advance and were able to complete the purchase in ten days (yes!!) with a very good "notaire" who was extremely cooperative. All-in-all it was somewhat stressful, but ultimately worthwhile to the max !!
The "off the radar" comment is certainly true. We found our home by the newspapers, the free papers (like VLAN and others), and some word of mouth. We did ride around (mostly my wife and her sister) and call using cell phones on the spot. Finally, we found a wonderful home with everything we wanted.
Differences: Hidden defects are not protected as well and you sign a waiver at posession. There is no MLS (multiple listing service) like other countries (i.e. USA) so you do have a lot of work to do by yourself. Realtors are there but don't seem "driven" and often are not very well informed. The end justifies the means; we sought avidly and succeeded finally negotiating the price down an astonishingly large amount over lunch with the owner and nobody else and made the deal with a glass of wine and a handshake. There are built in delays in purchases (does that surprise you?), but we had our finances in order in advance and were able to complete the purchase in ten days (yes!!) with a very good "notaire" who was extremely cooperative. All-in-all it was somewhat stressful, but ultimately worthwhile to the max !!
This handy guide from Expertise in Labour Mobility includes how to write a CV, application procedure, interview dos and don'ts, Belgian management culture.
Belgium’s first alternative directory assistance services - available through the shortcode 14-14 - can now be accessed on the internet.
Moving to Belgium presents a host of challenges to expats, not least of all finding the right home.
The psychological effects of global mobility can be physically painful.
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