Ryan's Spanish dream - turning vision into reality
Valencia, Spain. Ryan, 39, and his wife Kate from California, both working for a big tech company, had a long-standing dream of moving to Europe.
Why Spain?
Ryan was 16 years old the first time he visited Spain and, since then, has he spent many vacations and work trips there. Ryan and Kate also enjoyed a part of their honeymoon exploring Spain, and after some time they realised that Spain offers everything that they sought in a European destination.
It is stunning and varied natural landscapes, outstanding infrastructure, including high-speed internet which is crucial for their remote work, proximity to picturesque beaches and historic sites, and convenient travel options to other European countries. All of these were contributing factors for Ryan and Kate when they chose Spain as their new home country.
Discovering Habeno
One thing that always held them back from moving to Spain was realising how hard it could be to get a mortgage there. At one point, they even thought they might have to use their savings to buy their dream home in cash instead. However, everything changed when they discovered Habeno through a simple Google search.
After comparing various options, Habeno stood out as the most reliable and trustworthy choice. A trust and a user-friendly website was essential to Ryan, especially given his tech background. The positive reviews on Trustpilot reassured him, and he decided to give Habeno a try.
“America is a baby, there is nothing old at all. Europe have light bulbs that are older than our country.”
Securing the dream home
Before Ryan could dive into the mortgage process with the help from Habeno, he needed to find their Spanish dream home. Ryan's property search led him to Idealista, where he discovered Sagunto, a historic town near Valencia.
Ryan expresses that most people want to just live directly by the sea, but coming from America, they want to enjoy the incredible history of Spain. “America is a baby, theres nothing old at all. Europe have light bulbs that are older than our country”, Ryan shared with a smile. After evaluating various options, he found a charming four-bedroom, four-story house in Sagunto's historic downtown area.
What the future holds
Ryan and Kate have a grand vision for their upcoming life in Spain. It is beyond typical travel and historical sightseeing. They aspire to a life enriched by cultural immersion and shared experiences. Their spacious home enables them to warmly welcome family and friends to come and visit. It also provides the ideal setting for both Ryan and Kate to establish home offices, facilitating a harmonious work-life balance, which aligns perfectly with the unique rhythm of Spain's productivity and relaxation.
A perfect day in Spain
Ryan shares his picturesque vision of a perfect day, painting a vivid picture of what life could be like in his new homeland.
He wakes up to a beautiful sunrise on his terrace, the golden rays painting downtown Sagunto in a warm glow, and he prepares a cappuccino for his wife. Their day unfolds with a stroll up to the Sagunto castle, offering breathtaking views of the city. After a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant, they embrace the Spanish siesta.
As his wife works, Ryan follows his culinary passion, determined to master paella. Unlike American grocery stores, which restock monthly, in Spain, Ryan discovers daily freshness. He strolls to the local market, selecting the finest ingredients for that evening's meal - perhaps some fresh fish.
As the sun sets over Sagunto, Ryan and his wife sit down to a homemade dinner, surrounded by the love and memories they have built together. It is the perfect day he envisions in Spain, a harmonious blend of simple pleasures, cultural exploration, and a deep appreciation for life's little joys.
Ryan's advice - conclusion
When it comes to making your Spanish dream a reality, there is no one better to offer advice than someone who has been through the journey themselves. Ryan advises foreigners not to be discouraged by language barriers or the differences in the Spanish property market. He reassures that getting a mortgage in Spain is entirely achievable.
- Start early to ensure a smooth transition.
- Hire a mortgage consultant - such as Habeno.
- Hire a lawyer with power of attorney.
- Do not apply during the European summer vacation since the banks are on holiday.
Who are Habeno?
We are a comparison service for mortgages in Spain and Portugal. Our mission is to negotiate mortgages with extraordinary terms.
In addition, our team of experienced mortgage experts can help you realise your dream home come true. Start by applying for a pre-approval. It's free and non-binding.
In addition, our team of experienced mortgage experts can help you realise your dream home come true. Start by applying for a pre-approval. It's free and non-binding.