Who we are
Our Story
Homes for Expats was started by Cherene Kruger and stemmed from a deep-rooted commitment and unwavering determination: to assist internationals find their dream home in the Netherlands. Having personally experienced the challenges of seeking a home in a foreign country, we fully understand how daunting the process can be. This first-hand understanding became the driving force behind our decision to establish a real estate company dedicated to expats and run by expats who comprehend the unique nuances and intricacies of moving countries and finding a home.
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At Homes for Expats we believe that our honesty, integrity, passion for excellence and high levels of care set us apart from other real estate agencies. With service excellence as our guiding principle, we go the extra mile to ensure that our client’s real estate experiences are rewarding. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to provide our clients with affordable real estate solutions tailored to their needs. We pride ourselves on client satisfaction, and their trust in our services fuels our passion to continually improve and go above and beyond the industry norm. Our client’s confidence in our abilities is our ultimate achievement. We measure our success by the smiles on the faces of our satisfied clients. Their trust and endorsement of our services validate our commitment to delivering exceptional results and service.
Join us on this exciting journey as we help you find your perfect home in the Netherlands. At Homes for Expats, we are dedicated to making your housing dreams come true and ensuring that you have an unforgettable experience along the way.
About Cherene
Cherene Kruger relocated to the Netherlands in 2014 with her husband and their two children.
With a solid background in real estate and administration, Cherene brings valuable expertise from her previous work experience in property development in South Africa as well as her role as makelaar and owner of Homes for Expats in the Netherlands. Her experience with assisting people to buy, rent and sell their homes in the Netherlands gives her a profound understanding of the Dutch housing market. Cherene’s meticulous attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and unwavering commitment are evident through her impressive track record and delighted clientele.
Cherene is a people’s person and her genuine passion lies in helping individuals find their dream home while consistently delivering outstanding service. “When your job doesn’t feel like work anymore and you absolutely love what you do then you know you have found your passion and for me this is it, helping people find a home that they love makes me incredibly happy!”
Our Team
Chante Lindes
Purchasing Specialist
Het Gooi & Surrounds
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Chante Lindes moved to the Netherlands with her young family in 2019.
With her experience in relocation, with children, and all the challenges it brings, she finds joy in being able to make finding a home for expats a seamless, happy and exciting process.
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She combines her financial advising experience, meticulous admin skills and passion for the Dutch property market to help find her clients the perfect home with the least amount of stress.
Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, BCom (Hons) Business Management, BCom Financial Management
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Giselle Wait
Rental Specialist
Hoofdorp, Leiden & surrounds
Originally hailing from the sunny shores of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. In 2021 I embarked on the exciting journey of relocation to the Netherlands with my husband and two daughters. It's been quite an adventure!
Throughout my career, I've been deeply rooted in sales, and one thing that's stayed with me is the unwavering belief in the power of customer service. Whether it's ensuring a lightning-fast response or lending a helping hand whenever it's needed, I've got you!
I've always been a go-getter, with a strong focus on service and a knack for getting things right. When in need, I'm the one you can count on to roll up my sleeves and get the job done – I'm your go-to person!
Having experienced expat life firsthand, I truly understand the pressures and the rollercoaster that comes with it. That's why I'm passionate about making this journey easier and less stressful for you, and most importantly, helping you find a place you can truly call home.
To me, kindness and a steadfast dedication to service excellence are the secret ingredients that can transform this transition into a smooth and pleasant experience. So, let's embark on this exciting journey together, armed with warm smiles and a helping hand to guide you every step of the way!
Yvette Newton
Office Administrator
I have gained professional experience across diverse sectors in South Africa, encompassing Research, Real Estate, IT, and Education.
Upon relocating to The Netherlands in 2019, I dedicated my time to facilitating my family's adaptation to the challenges inherent in immigration.
Whether I am pursuing my academic endeavours, engaging in professional work, homeschooling, managing household responsibilities for a family of six, or simply navigating the complexities of daily life, my commitment to task orientation, organisation, and effective execution remains paramount.
Within my household, a frequently heard phrase is "complete that task," which has proven highly effective in managing our busy lives. My passion lies in assisting others, ensuring tasks are completed, and optimising overall functionality.
Laura Mellema
Rental & Purchasing Specialist
Rotterdam, Delft, Den Haag & Surrounds
I am Laura Mellema, a seasoned professional with a unique international background. Originally hailing from The Netherlands and then flourishing in the culturally diverse landscape of South Africa's Western Cape, I embarked on a transformative journey. In 2011, I returned to my homeland as a single mother of two sons, facing the daunting challenge of adapting to a new environment. This life experience, characterized by resilience and adaptability, has enriched me with invaluable insights.
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Throughout my journey, I've acquired a wealth of knowledge and honed exceptional socio-economic skills. This foundation has equipped me to genuinely comprehend the desires and aspirations of my clients. I firmly believe in establishing a profound personal connection with each client, understanding their distinct needs and requirements. My unwavering commitment is to ensure that every client's unique journey in the real estate world is nothing short of extraordinary.
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My mission is to guide and support my clients on their path to a new, personalized, and adventurous chapter in their lives as they search for their dream home. With my multicultural background and extensive expertise, I'm dedicated to making this transition not only seamless but also memorable, turning each transaction into a remarkable experience.
Lauren Hamilton
Rental Specialist
Het Gooi, Utrecht and surrounds
In November 2020, Lauren Hamilton, along with her husband and three young sons, bravely relocated to The Netherlands, experiencing first-hand the various challenges and delights of establishing roots in an entirely new world.
With a career enriched by 14 years in client service and digital marketing, Lauren has adeptly navigated the nuanced needs of clients, creating tailored solutions and enhancing their experiences in impactful ways. Her journey has steadfastly been anchored in ensuring every client not only feels deeply valued and thoroughly heard but also attains the results they pursue.
Lauren takes great pride in consistently going the extra mile for her clients. Her guiding principles are clear and impactful: deliver outstanding service and do so with heartfelt kindness. Whether clients are seeking to settle into a new home or require advice on the property landscape in The Netherlands, Lauren is there to assist, guide, and ensure a positive experience in finding your dream home.