In this episode, we discuss the world of fixer-uppers in the Netherlands and the US, with experts David Vandermeer and Sean Cooper. Discover why investing in renovation projects can be a smart strategy for both first-time buyers and experienced buyers.

This episode was produced in collaboration with Funda, the Netherlands' leading real estate platform.

Key Topics

• ​The popularity of fixer-uppers in the Netherlands and the US
• ​The first steps in buying a fixer-upper on Funda (the Dutch Housing Platform)
• ​Key points of attention such as foundation, electrical systems, and insulation
• ​Comparisons between the Dutch and American housing markets
• ​Financing options for renovation projects
• ​The role of a good realtor and construction team
• ​Cost estimates for renovations in Holland and the US
• ​Historic homes and monuments as an investment

Sound Bites

• ​"Older homes have character you can't fake"
• ​"The foundation and electrical systems are the biggest points of concern"
• ​"A good realtor and construction team make the difference"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and episode overview03:49 Why fixer-uppers are popular in the Netherlands09:55 First steps in buying a fixer-upper15:07 Key things to watch out for during renovation20:00 Comparing the Dutch and American housing markets25:02 Financing options and special loans30:02 How to select a fixer-upper on Funda34:50 Common problems and red flags40:07 Cost estimation and budgeting for renovations45:00 The value of historic and monumental homes50:00 Practical tips for starting a renovation project

Welcome to The Price of Your Life. In this introduction episode, host Hayat Essakkati explains why she's making this show: most money podcasts are either for people who already have wealth to grow, or for people already in financial crisis — and almost nothing exists for the space in between, where the biggest decisions of our lives get made without anyone naming what they actually cost.

Hayat shares her own story first — growing up Dutch Moroccan in a migrant family, raised by a single mother after her parents' divorce, and a period when her mom had to rebuild financial independence from zero. It's the story that shaped how Hayat thinks about money: not as numbers, but as identity, dependency, and control.

From there, she previews what's ahead this season — episodes on relocating across borders, buying a first home in the Netherlands as an international, aging alone, burnout, divorce, and the organizational side too: the real cost of a bad hire, of financial stress in a team, of losing a top performer. The thread running through all of it: the full price of a decision is invisible until it's paid. This show tries to make it visible first.