Thinking about Portugal—specifically the Algarve? In this episode, Vanessa sits down with a Lagos-based real estate agent to break down what life actually feels like in Lagos (walkable, small-city vibe, west-coast beaches + sunsets), who this area serves best (families, community-seekers), and the trade-offs (Lagos carries a premium €€€).

We cover schools (Portuguese vs. international), rentals, when buying makes sense, how competitive the market is, and why representation in Portugal can be very different from your home country.

You’ll learn:

- Lagos lifestyle & vibe: compact, walkable, family-friendly, quick access to wild west-coast beaches.

- Schools 101: immersion in Portuguese vs. international schools—how families decide.

- Housing reality: typical rentals and why Lagos is among the Algarve’s pricier markets.

- Buy smart: timing, expectation management, and how sight-unseen deals are handled.

- Representation matters: how buyer’s agents work in Portugal.

Get help moving to Portugal. Connect with Vanessa Lopes: https://bit.ly/contact-vanessa-lopes

About Solena Global Living

Solena Global Living helps international buyers find their place in the world by connecting them with trusted, English-speaking real estate experts across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a second home, investing abroad, or planning a full relocation, we offer personalized guidance and insider insights to make your move seamless. Through our curated referral network and the Solena Global Living Podcast, we bring you real stories, expert advice, and the resources you need to live—and invest—with confidence.

Get in touch: https://linktr.ee/solenaliving

Chapters

00:00 – Intro

01:00 – What our guest does: concierge for foreign buyers

03:50 – Why the Algarve (esp. Lagos): vibe, walkability, west-coast magic

07:56 – Family life & community: kid-friendly spaces, beaches, after-school

12:04 – Schools 101: Portuguese vs. international, language paths

20:51 – Rentals & availability: what’s on the market now

22:50 – Price context: new build vs. resale, sea views, Lagos premium

25:54 – How competitive is it? Readiness, rent-first vs. buy-now

27:39 – Buying sight-unseen & expectation management

34:37 – Do you need a buyer’s agent in Portugal? Differences vs. UK/Germany

37:15 – Pitfalls to avoid & how to mitigate risk

39:16 – How to get help + next steps

Thinking of moving to Valencia, Spain? Wondering which neighborhoods are the best fit for your lifestyle?In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, I sit down with David, an American real estate professional turned Buyer Specialist (and rental specialist) in Valencia, to uncover what life is really like in Spain’s third-largest city - and how to find a home here.We cover:- The vibe and lifestyle of Valencia’s most popular neighborhoods- Rental prices and what you can expect for your budget- The pros and cons of living in different suburbs- How to decide which area is the best fit for YOU- Practical tips for navigating the Spanish rental market as a foreignerWhether you’re drawn to Valencia’s historic center, the beach lifestyle of Malvarrosa, or the family-friendly suburbs, this conversation will help you find your place in the city.Resources & Next Steps:👉 Contact David for Valencia rental support: https://bit.ly/contact-david-piccolo👉 Speak with a trusted international mortgage broker: https://bit.ly/solenagloballiving👉 Book an initial call with Vanessa: https://bit.ly/strategy-spain-15-callAbout Solena Global LivingSolena Global Living helps international buyers find their place in the world by connecting them with trusted, English-speaking real estate experts across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a second home, investing abroad, or planning a full relocation, we offer personalized guidance and insider insights to make your move seamless. Through our curated referral network and the Solena Global Living Podcast, we bring you real stories, expert advice, and the resources you need to live—and invest—with confidence.Get in touch: https://linktr.ee/solenaliving

00:00 Journey to Valencia: A New Beginning

01:12 Starting a new life in Valencia, Spain

02:12 Real Estate in Spain vs. the U.S.

04:17 Understanding Valencia's Rental Market

06:29 Exploring Valencia's Neighborhoods

09:43 Living in Valencia: City vs. Suburbs

13:03 Rental Pricing and Market Trends

17:27 Family Homes and International Schools

19:32 Cultural Differences in Living Spaces

22:08 Fireworks and Festivals in Valencia

27:14 Advice for Moving to Valencia

31:51 How Solena Global Living Helps You Find Your Place

Abroad#MovingToSpain #ValenciaSpain #InternationalRealEstate #SolenaGlobalLiving

What’s life really like in Murcia, Spain? In this episode, I sit down with an American and food vlogger living in Murcia, Maggie Dickmann. We explore the culture, food, and lifestyle that make Murcia one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. From mouthwatering tapas to the region’s relaxed pace of life, Maggie shares why she fell in love with Murcia — and why more people moving to Spain should consider it, too.

Check out Maggie's Instagram page:

Zodiac post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMAzEZLtflj/?img_index=1

Tabla de Sopaica: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMAzEZLtflj/?img_index=1

Join a future Spain Scouting Trip with Vanessa. Learn more: https://www.solenaliving.com/scout-spain

About Solena Global Living

Solena Global Living helps international buyers find their place in the world by connecting them with trusted, English-speaking real estate experts across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a second home, investing abroad, or planning a full relocation, we offer personalized guidance and insider insights to make your move seamless. Through our curated referral network and the Solena Global Living Podcast, we bring you real stories, expert advice, and the resources you need to live—and invest—with confidence.

Get in touch: https://linktr.ee/solenaliving

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Murcia and Its Allure

02:28 First Impressions of Murcia

04:50 Exploring Murcia's Unique Food Culture

09:38 Daily Life in Murcia vs. the US

11:46 Local Food Traditions and Festivals

14:34 Eating Habits: Spain vs. the US

17:46 The Journey of Blogging About Murcia

22:39 Why Choose Murcia as Your Next Home?

24:43 Connect with Solena Global Living

Thinking about moving to Spain? Before you can find your dream home, you first need the right residency pathway. In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, I sit down with immigration attorney Maryem Essadek, my go-to expert on Spanish visas and residency.We break down the most common visa options for Spain—including the Digital Nomad Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, and Golden Visa—and highlight red flags and roadblocks that applicants often face. Mariam shares her insider advice on how to avoid common mistakes, what documents you’ll need, and how to set yourself up for a smooth transition abroad.If Spain is on your radar, this episode will help you understand where to begin—and why your very first step should be securing the right visa before diving into your property search.🔗 Book a consultation with Maryem here (affiliate link) https://bit.ly/spain-visa-consult🔗 Explore relocation resources and property tours with Solena Global Living https://bit.ly/rent-costa-bravaAbout Solena Global LivingSolena Global Living helps international buyers find their place in the world by connecting them with trusted, English-speaking real estate experts across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a second home, investing abroad, or planning a full relocation, we offer personalized guidance and insider insights to make your move seamless. Through our curated referral network and the Solena Global Living Podcast, we bring you real stories, expert advice, and the resources you need to live—and invest—with confidence.Get in touch: https://linktr.ee/solenalivingChapters:00:00 Introduction to Immigration Law and Moving to Spain01:33 Understanding Visa Options for Moving to Spain04:54 Exploring the Non-Lucrativa Visa Requirements08:51 Digital Nomad Visa: Requirements and Process12:51 The Impact of the Golden Visa Cancellation16:42 Settling in Spain: Next Steps After Arrival20:07 Final Thoughts on Immigration and Legal Support

Thinking about moving to Spain but unsure where to land? In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, Vanessa heads to Murcia and the Costa Blanca South—an often-overlooked region nestled between Alicante and Cartagena.

Joined by Murcia native and real estate expert David Rivera, we explore:

- What makes Murcia an incredible (and affordable) place to live

- Lifestyle perks of this inland coastal region

- Why it’s ideal for expats looking for community, sun, and culture

- Real estate insights and what to expect if you move there- And yes, the food... 🍋

Whether you're a future expat, digital nomad, or just dreaming of a simpler life abroad, this episode offers a fresh perspective on a hidden gem in Spain.

SPAIN SCOUTING TRIP - OCTOBER 2025

Want to explore Spain with me? Join me on my upcoming scouting trip.

Trip 1: Girona → Murcia | October 16–27

Trip 2: Málaga → Seville | October 29–November 7

Contact me: https://linktr.ee/solenaliving

About Solena Global Living

Solena Global Living helps international buyers find their place in the world by connecting them with trusted, English-speaking real estate experts across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a second home, investing abroad, or planning a full relocation, we offer personalized guidance and insider insights to make your move seamless. Through our curated referral network and the Solena Global Living Podcast, we bring you real stories, expert advice, and the resources you need to live—and invest—with confidence.

Get in touch: https://linktr.ee/solenaliving

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Murcia: A Return to Roots

03:59 The Allure of Outdoor Living and Community

06:48 Culinary Delights of Murcia

09:33 Costa Blanca South: A Coastal Transformation

12:28 The Golf Community Lifestyle

14:51 Day Trips and Hidden Gems in Murcia

16:28 Building Your Expert Team for a Successful Move

Thinking about making Seville your new home? In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, I sit down with Stephanie Jahn, my go-to real estate and rental expert in Seville, to explore what life is really like in Spain’s most charming southern city.

We cover everything from why expats love Seville, the real cost of renting in the city center and suburbs, and how to navigate Spain’s unique rental requirements. Stephanie shares her insider tips on choosing the right neighborhood, living car-free, and experiencing Sevilla’s warm community vibe.

Whether you’re dreaming of sipping sangria in the historic old town or finding a family-friendly home in the suburbs, this episode gives you the clarity you need to take the next step.

Want to experience Seville for yourself? Join me in November for our next Scouting Trip to Southern Spain, where we’ll explore Sevilla, meet local experts, and give you an insider’s look at life in Spain.

Show Notes:Towns along the metro line:-Mairena del Aljarafe (international school there)-Montequinto (which pertains to Dos Hermanas)Neighborhoods within the city center:Old Town - San Vicente, Museo, San Lorenzo Outside old town but still Sevilla - Los Remedios, Porvenir (both a bit pricier but great for families)

About Stephanie Jahn:

Stephanie combines deep expertise in both U.S. and Spanish real estate to guide clients through their move to Seville with confidence. As a bilingual realtor and fellow expat, she provides personalized, hands-on support every step of the way. With Stephanie, finding your ideal home feels seamless, supportive, and tailored to your journey.

Rental Search Services in Seville: https://bit.ly/rent-in-seville

CONTACT STEPHANIE: https://bit.ly/contact-stephanie-jahn

About Us

Solena Global Living helps international buyers find their place in the world by connecting them with trusted, English-speaking real estate experts across Europe and beyond.

Whether you’re dreaming of a second home, investing abroad, or planning a full relocation, we offer personalized guidance and insider insights to make your move seamless. Through our curated referral network and the Solena Global Living Podcast, we bring you real stories, expert advice, and the resources you need to live—and invest—with confidence.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Life in Sevilla

01:31 Why Seville

03:01 The Journey to Sevilla: A Personal Story

06:28 Experiencing Sevilla: Culture and Lifestyle

09:58 Navigating Real Estate in Sevilla

13:08 Understanding Rental Pricing and Market

14:55 Rental Process and Requirements in Sevilla

25:00 Understanding Rental Costs in Sevilla

28:18 Exploring Neighborhoods for Newcomers

30:58 Suburban Living: Options Beyond the City Center

32:57 Transportation and Accessibility in Sevilla

36:39 Safety and Community in Sevilla

41:57 The Warmth of Spanish Culture

43:20 Introduction to Services for Moving Abroad

43:32 Connecting with Experts for a Smooth Transition

What does it take to pack up your family and start a new life abroad?In this episode, Vanessa Rosenblum interviews Guillermo Salas about his bold move from the U.S. to Spain. Guillermo shares the motivations behind his family’s relocation, their transition from a small coastal town to vibrant Madrid, and how he built a successful remote real estate business while coaching others to do the same.We discuss:1. Why cultural immersion and language learning drove their move2. The mindset shift required to transition from a local business to a remote model3. How living in Spain improved their family’s quality of life4. Tips for earning in a strong currency while living in a lower-cost country5. The importance of taking action to make your dream life a realityIf you’ve been dreaming about expat life, moving to Spain, remote work, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle design, this conversation will inspire you to take the next step.About Guillermo SalasGuillermo Salas is the founder of the Guillermo Salas Team, which has served over 1,500 clients and closed more than $450M+ in real estate transactions in its history. Guillermo is also a partner of GameChangers at eXp Realty and leads a group at eXp responsible for an average of $250M in sales per year. At one point, Guillermo owned 7 brokerage offices, helping hundreds of agents grow and scale their businesses. In addition, Guillermo is a certified life and business coach and a former corporate attorney. Guillermo has been living in Spain the last four years, where he has been successfully been running and growing his various businesses from abroad. His mission now is to help other real estate agents achieve financial freedom, time freedom and location freedom.Contact Guillermo: http://bit.ly/45i7xRx

About Solena Global LivingSolena Global Living helps international buyers find their place in the world by connecting them with trusted, English-speaking real estate experts across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a second home, investing abroad, or planning a full relocation, we offer personalized guidance and insider insights to make your move seamless. Through our curated referral network and the Solena Global Living Podcast, we bring you real stories, expert advice, and the resources you need to live—and invest—with confidence.Timestamps:00:00 The Journey to Spain: A New Beginning04:41 Life in Madrid: Embracing the Culture08:36 Transitioning Careers: From Local to Global13:10 Creating a Life Abroad: Finding Work and Passion18:34 Taking Action: The Key to Making Dreams a Reality

Dreaming of life on Spain’s most breathtaking coastline? In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, Vanessa sits down with local real estate expert Warwick to explore what makes the Costa Brava a hidden gem for international buyers. From charming medieval villages to Michelin-starred meals and a wide variety of housing options, discover why this rugged, radiant slice of Catalonia could be your perfect next move.Your Property Search:Searching for property on the Costa Brava? Contact Warwick: https://bit.ly/contact-warwickLooking for an English-speaking Real Estate Expert somewhere else? Contact Vanessa: https://bit.ly/contact-solena-livingRental Search Services in Spain: https://bit.ly/rent-in-spain-referralAbout Solena Global LivingSolena Global Living helps international buyers find their place in the world by connecting them with trusted, English-speaking real estate experts across Europe and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a second home, investing abroad, or planning a full relocation, we offer personalized guidance and insider insights to make your move seamless. Through our curated referral network and the Solena Global Living Podcast, we bring you real stories, expert advice, and the resources you need to live—and invest—with confidence.Chapters:00:00 Discovering Costa Brava: A Love Story04:09 Hidden Gems: The Interior Towns of Costa Brava07:05 A Perfect Day: Food, Family, and Fun10:17 Community and Connection: Settling in Costa Brava13:02 The Allure of Four Seasons: Beyond Summer16:06 Living in Catalonia: Culture and Integration19:14 Cost of Living: Real Estate Insights22:04 Quality of Life: A Democratic Lifestyle25:03 Final Thoughts: Why Costa Brava is Unique

Thinking about buying property in Spain but not sure how mortgages work as a foreigner or non-resident? In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, host Vanessa Rosenblum sits down with Martine Newman from Mortgage Direct to break down everything you need to know about getting a mortgage in Spain when your income is earned outside the country.Whether you're retiring, relocating, or investing, this episode will help you understand how Spanish banks view foreign buyers, how debt-to-income ratios are calculated, and what kind of down payment and documents you’ll need. We also explore closing costs, interest rates, and why building the right team of experts is critical to a smooth transaction.👉 Want to get pre-qualified for a mortgage in Spain?Start here: https://bit.ly/solenagloballiving👉 Need help finding a vetted, English-speaking real estate agent in Spain?Fill out our Buyer Questionnaire: https://bit.ly/solena-expert🎧 Episode Highlights:– How Spanish mortgages differ from U.S. loans– What banks look for when approving non-resident buyers– How your age affects loan terms– Required documents and common surprises– Tips for building your property purchase “dream team”⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Mortgages in Spain03:24 Understanding Mortgage Products and Structures06:08 Unique Criteria for Foreign Buyers08:53 Debt-to-Income Ratios and Financial Assessment11:38 Down Payments and Property Value Considerations14:01 Interest Rates and Long-Term Costs17:00 The Importance of a Team in the Buying Process19:29 Navigating the Mortgage Application Process22:16 Closing Costs and Additional Fees25:07 Final Thoughts on Buying Property in Spain35:13 Introduction to Real Estate in Spain35:42 Building Your Team of Experts💬 Got questions about financing or buying abroad? Drop them in the comments!#SpainRealEstate #BuyingInSpain #SpanishMortgage #LiveAbroad #SolenaGlobalLiving #ExpatLife #MortgageDirect #InternationalRealEstate

What happens when you spend three weeks traveling through Spain with a group of strangers, touring property, talking to locals, and trying to answer the big question: Could I really move abroad?

In this episode of the Solena Global Living Podcast, host Vanessa Rosenblum sits down with Thays Morgan, a savvy traveler and curious real estate investor who joined our scouting trip across Southern Spain.

Thays didn’t come with the expectation that she would find her forever home—she came to explore and to see if Spain was the right country for her.

Tune in as we unpack:

- The cultural surprises that made Spain feel safe, warm, and inviting

- Why Thays fell in love with the idea of “living smaller” and entertaining outside

- The importance of connectivity and walkability when choosing a location abroad

- How scouting trips can shape your strategy—even if you’re not ready to buy

Whether you're dreaming of a move abroad, planning a property scouting trip, or simply curious about international lifestyles, this episode is packed with real insights you won’t want to miss.

📌 Resources Mentioned in the Episode:1) Learn about upcoming scouting trips: https://expatsi.com/scouting-trip/2)

Moving to Spain Resources:

- Relocation Packages - https://movingtospain.com/services/planning-packages/?aff=9baf6b2e-

Immigration assistance - https://movingtospain.com/services/spain-immigration-lawyer/?aff=9baf6b2e-

Tax Advice - https://movingtospain.com/services/tax-advice-spain/?aff=9baf6b2e-

Foreign Exchange brokers - https://movingtospain.com/services/foreign-exchange/?aff=9baf6b2e-

Health Insurance - https://movingtospain.com/services/foreign-exchange/?aff=9baf6b2e

* I may earn a small commission from some links in this post. I only recommend trusted, vetted resources.

Book a Free 15-min Strategy Call with Vanessa from Solena Global Living: https://bit.ly/strategy-spain-15-call

Chapters

00:00 Returning Home: Reflections on Travel

03:53 The Journey to Financial Independence

08:14 Exploring Spain: Expectations vs. Reality

14:35 Cultural Insights: Community and Safety in Spain

19:49 Real Estate Realities: Hot Takes on Properties

20:56 Adapting to a New Lifestyle: Laundry and Living Spaces

21:40 Living Like a Local in Spain

23:17 Understanding Property Investment Dynamics

24:57 The Benefits of Low Property Taxes

27:31 Financing and Carrying Costs in Spain

28:28 Navigating the Real Estate Process

31:05 The Importance of Representation in Real Estate

34:05 Tax Implications of Moving to Spain

37:53 Future Plans and Reflections on the Journey

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more real stories and real estate tips about life abroad.

#LiveAbroad #MovingToSpain #SpainRealEstate #SolenaGlobalLiving #ExpatLife #ScoutingTrip #RealEstateInvesting #expatsi