Dating shows are a means to help singles find a partner. Another dating event will take place in Emmen on Saturday, November 18: a house dating show. For people who want to buy their own home for the first time. With a special raffle.
Hello Henk Eising. As director of mortgage consultancy agency Jouw Hypotheek, are you involved in this?
“Of course. We have organized an afternoon especially for starters on the housing market. They are very welcome from two to five in the afternoon at the former Agricultural Winter School on Boslaan in Emmen. It has certainly become a challenge in itself for young people to buy a suitable and affordable home. We have invited several specialists who can help this target group on their way. Think of real estate agents, mortgage advisors and people who know everything about energy contracts and insurance.”
When you think of starters, do you only think of young people?
“The majority of starters are young people, but people who want to buy their first home later in life are of course also very welcome. They are also starters on the housing market. For both groups it is advisable to bring a pay slip or other proof of income. You can then immediately find out on the spot what is feasible in terms of mortgage and in what price category you should look. We also point out options that not everyone is aware of, such as the starter loan and parental guarantees.”
Okay, as a starter, can I also bring my parents or other family members?
“No, otherwise we fear it will be too busy and we will not be able to speak to everyone properly. At five o’clock, at the end, parents, other family members and friends are welcome. It then becomes clear which starters get the opportunity to buy a house at a predetermined realistic and market price. That is really something unique. This concerns two houses, in Laan van de Bork in the Emmer district of Emmerhout and on Elzenlaan in Emmer-Compascuum. The house in Emmerhout costs 207,000 euros, the house in Emmer-Compascuum costs 180,000 euros.”
As a starter, how do I know whether those two homes appeal to me?
“Anyone who is interested can use a shuttle service that we will use especially for this purpose. Enthusiasts can board a van and are then driven to the house of their choice. There they get a tour and can ask anything they want about the house. If they are enthusiastic, they can fill out a participation form and put it in a bus. At the end of the afternoon, a notary will conduct the draw and it will be announced which starters will get the opportunity to buy the house in Emmerhout and the house in Emmer-Compascuum. Without competitors in the neck and without having to outbid.”
Then don’t put too much pressure on these people. Isn’t an afternoon a very short time to make such an important decision?
“The winners will of course be given the opportunity to think about it after the draw. If they decide not to do so, it will be the number two’s turn to buy the house under the same conditions.”
Do starters also have to pay entrance for this event?
“No, everything is free. And they don’t have to bring bread either. There are drinks, bitterballen and other tasty snacks.”