Could you use some help in your search for a new dream spot and the sale or rental of your current home?
When you call us, you can count on a high dose of enthusiasm, drive, and a sharp quote.
Vanessa
Where did you grow up?
‘I grew up in Buitenveldert and have very warm childhood memories of this neighborhood. The playground ‘Goudestein’ where as a little girl I always wanted to climb to the highest point in the big climbing frame. With butterflies in my stomach, of course, but I was always pushing my limits. As a teenager, we often went there to play tennis with neighborhood youth. And the nice thing is: these friends still live in the area and I still see them regularly.’
Which neighborhood has the fondest memories for you?
‘Amsterdam South and especially the Beethovenstraat. Recently I took a walk with the author of the book The Beethovenstraat, Mr. Frank van Kolfschooten. Then all the memories came back: having lunch at Delcavi with my mother, picking out a nice book at bookshop Van Rossum. The Beethovenstraat had something chic. And I still like to go there.
What I find so attractive about my job is that I get to take a look inside the houses, and that I get to hear the beautiful stories of the residents of this street.’
What was your first purchase?
‘My first purchase was a semi-detached house in Wattstraat in Badhoevedorp. Away from the familiar Amsterdam. It took some getting used to at first, but soon I felt very much at home there. Badhoevedorp is a close-knit village. Everyone knows each other and the sports clubs and associations are, in my opinion, a binding factor. Now that the A9 motorway has been redirected, a lot will change for the better. A lot of new construction will be realized and the village will become even greener. So I’ll be staying for a while.’
When do you consider it a good workday?
‘I feel happy when I have had nice conversations with people and have been able to do more than what was on my to do-list.
Which sale are you most proud of?
“Over the past year, a client gave me the confidence to sell his property on Kerkstraat. It was a beautiful and stately building with a fascinating story. During our meeting, I heard delightful anecdotes about his time as a student, what he experienced in the house, and how fun it was to live there. Kerkstraat was a close-knit community. I love hearing those stories so that I can pass them on to potential buyers who can create their own memories in the house.”
What is your biggest ambition?
“My biggest ambition is to establish a successful real estate agency using my acquired experience and knowledge. I want to create a place where I can help people take the next step in their lives.”
Fenny
Where did you grow up?
“I grew up in Buitenveldert, specifically on the south side where Amstelveenseweg meets Kalfjeslaan in Amstelveen. The neighborhood had many parks, forests, and fields where we played outside during long summers, built the most incredible forts, and caused mischief with my twin sister. I had a carefree childhood and attended St. Josef Elementary School and the Christian Lyceum Buitenveldert. The exciting thing is that both schools still exist, and I occasionally run into parents of classmates or former friends when I’m in the area for work.”
Which neighborhood has the fondest memories for you?
“Buitenveldert, of course. I developed my sales skills at a young age during the annual Queen’s Day flea market at Gelderlandplein, which was then an open square. My sister and I earned extra pocket money every year by selling our old toys and clothes. We learned to negotiate and go for the best selling price.”
What was your first purchase?
“Due to long waiting lists for rental housing, I purchased my first apartment on Van Heuven Goedhartlaan in Amstelveen at a young age. I was 21 years old and wanted to stand on my own two feet. After some wandering around via Badhoevedorp, I ended up in a spacious apartment on Goereesepad in Amstelveen again.”
When do you consider it a good workday?
“Being a real estate agent is one of the most enjoyable and varied jobs I know. It’s never dull, and it’s always different! When I can give my clients the good news that we’ve been able to purchase their dream home, or sell or rent their home, my day can’t get any better. The greatest satisfaction I get is making my customers happy.”
What is your biggest ambition?
As a driven real estate agent, my biggest ambition is to help as many people as possible realize their housing wishes. Whether it’s the purchase of a new dream home, the sale of an existing home, or the rental of a property. I find all aspects of the real estate profession fascinating. My biggest motivation is that I want to meet my clients’ expectations, or even better, exceed them!”
Which sale are you most proud of?
“The sale of Baanbrugsteeg 1 A in Amsterdam Centrum. A stunning, architecturally designed house in a challenging location. A dark alley in the heart of the city center. I’m absolutely thrilled that I managed to find a new owner for this house within a reasonable timeframe.”
Mitchell
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Amsterdam and lived there for the first years of my life. After a few years, my parents decided to move to Halfweg. This is where I spent most of my childhood. I attended high school at Coornhert Lyceum in Heemstede. From a young age, I started practicing judo at the renowned Kenamju in Haarlem. I won several medals at the Dutch Judo Championship and eventually started teaching judo as well. I know Haarlem well and have many fond memories of this beautiful city.
Which neighborhood has the fondest memories for you?
The fondest memories I have are of the Kleverparkbuurt in Haarlem. I spent a lot of time there with friends during my studies. My very first rental house was in this neighborhood, in Saenredamstaat. I lived in a nice, small ground-floor apartment with a south-facing garden, just a five-minute bike ride from the center of Haarlem. What more could you want when you’re young?
What was your first purchase?
My first home was in Hoofddorp. It was a new, move-in ready apartment with a beautiful view. The apartment was above the cinema, right in the center. I lived there happily for four years. After that, I moved to Zandvoort, where I enjoy the beach and the dunes every day. Thanks to my housing career so far, I know the Kennemerland region like the back of my hand!
When do you consider it a good workday?
I enjoy interacting with people, I’m a good listener, and I draw energy from helping clients. During buying or selling processes, I create calmness and ensure everything goes smoothly. No day is the same, which gives me a lot of energy. On my ideal workday, I’ve guided clients in finding their dream home.
Which sale are you most proud of?
In the city center of Haarlem stands a monumental building called “Residence Nassauplein.” It’s a monumental building from 1885 that was converted into apartments in 1998. I’m very proud of selling a beautiful classical apartment of 145 m2 from this complex. It’s a gorgeous home that I managed to sell for a very good price. Every time I walk past this complex, I think back with pride to this transaction.
What is your biggest ambition?
My biggest ambition is to run a successful real estate agency together with a motivated team. I enjoy bouncing ideas and discussing developments to become a better real estate agent every day, so I can provide my clients with the highest level of service.
Carolina
Where did you grow up?
‘I grew up in Buitenveldert and have very warm childhood memories of this neighborhood. The playground ‘Goudestein’ where as a little girl I always wanted to climb to the highest point in the big climbing frame. With butterflies in my stomach, of course, but I was always pushing my limits. As a teenager, we often went there to play tennis with neighborhood youth. And the nice thing is: these friends still live in the area and I still see them regularly.’
Which neighborhood has the fondest memories for you?
‘Amsterdam South and especially the Beethovenstraat. Recently I took a walk with the author of the book The Beethovenstraat, Mr. Frank van Kolfschooten. Then all the memories came back: having lunch at Delcavi with my mother, picking out a nice book at bookshop Van Rossum. The Beethovenstraat had something chic. And I still like to go there.
What I find so attractive about my job is that I get to take a look inside the houses, and that I get to hear the beautiful stories of the residents of this street.’
What was your first purchase?
‘My first purchase was a semi-detached house in Wattstraat in Badhoevedorp. Away from the familiar Amsterdam. It took some getting used to at first, but soon I felt very much at home there. Badhoevedorp is a close-knit village. Everyone knows each other and the sports clubs and associations are, in my opinion, a binding factor. Now that the A9 motorway has been redirected, a lot will change for the better. A lot of new construction will be realized and the village will become even greener. So I’ll be staying for a while.’
When do you consider it a good workday?
“Over the past year, a client gave me the confidence to sell his property on Kerkstraat. It was a beautiful and stately building with a fascinating story. During our meeting, I heard delightful anecdotes about his time as a student, what he experienced in the house, and how fun it was to live there. Kerkstraat was a close-knit community. I love hearing those stories so that I can pass them on to potential buyers who can create their own memories in the house.”
Which sale are you most proud of?
In recent years, I have written two management books. Writing the second book, Happy in your Work, was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. The satisfaction I felt when the book was finally in the bookstore will be difficult to top.
What is your biggest ambition?
As part of the team, I want to use my experience and knowledge to help further grow ELAN Makelaars as a fresh, service-oriented, and dynamic real estate agency.
Jaimy
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Goirle, a small village in North Brabant, located near the Belgian border. The nice thing about this is that it is situated in a forested area, which I have fond memories of.
Which neighborhood has your fondest memory?
The neighborhood “Oudwijk” in Utrecht, located near the Wilhelminapark.
The beautiful houses situated around the park, the hustle and bustle, the delicious restaurant, and the people. Within a 10-minute walk, you are in the old center of Utrecht.
What was your first purchase?
The first house I bought was together with my husband. It was a beautiful house located in the middle of the country with a stunning garden.
When do you consider it a good workday?
I consider it a good workday when it’s busy, the phone is ringing often, and there are various tasks to be completed. At some point during the day, I may think that everything won’t get done, but at the end of the day, everything is completed. This gives me a sense of satisfaction.
What is your biggest ambition?
To ensure that the ELAN Makelaars office runs smoothly and everything is perfectly arranged!
Ghislaine
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the small village of Schalkwijk in the municipality of Houten. The village has a rural feel and offers a lot of space to live. This is what I like about the village.
Which neighborhood has the fondest memories for you?
Schalkwijk, of course. The beautiful farms and the free and rural living. What makes Schalkwijk so special to me are the memories from my childhood and the memories I still create in this beautiful village.
What was your first purchase?
I haven’t bought or rented a house yet.
When do you consider it a good workday?
I consider it a successful workday when I have completed all my goals and tasks and when productive and positive interactions have taken place with colleagues and clients. I also find it important that I have a sense of satisfaction at the end of the day.
What is your biggest ambition?
My biggest ambition is to do my utmost to ensure that everything is in order. Whether it’s small or big things, I am determined to make it work and to use my experience and knowledge to further grow and develop.
