Episode
House Hunters International: Testing the waters in Drammen, Norway
Overview
Miguel and Runi Valenzuela met in college, fell in love, and married 9 months later. After 2 kids, their life in Miguel's hometown of San Diego was comfortable. But when he lost his job as an engineer, Runi decided it was time to test the waters 5300 miles away amongst the fjords in her hometown of Drammen, Norway. With Miguel's new job starting soon, his family's transition needs to be quick and easy. But Norway's fast paced auction style market won't do them any favors. Here, all bids are final. Before they place a bet, they must make sure their $700,000 budget is being spent wisely. Agent Ragnhild Haaning quickly guides them through 3 options - one close to town but stuck in the 60's; one brand new expensive one further out; and fixer upper way under budget. The Valenzuela's must quickly decide if they want to spend more now or renovate later before they place a bid they can't take back. Its buyer beware, when House Hunters International test the waters in Drammen, Norway.
Details
- Series
- House Hunters International
- Season
- Season 28
- Episode
- Episode 13
- Air date
- 2011-12-07
- Runtime
- 23 min
Episode context
Testing the waters in Drammen, Norway is Episode 13 in Season 28 of House Hunters International. It aired on 2011-12-07. The runtime is 23 min.
Previous / Next
More episodes from this season
Episode 11: Reviving roots in Grenoble, France
Nathalie and Ben met in college and soon discovered common ground: both have French parents and shared a similar childhood of mixed heritage. After having daughter Elyse, they decided it was time to leave the monotony of Manchester, England behind to share their French roots with their new baby. They settled on the city of Grenoble at the base of the French Alps, where Ben can take advantage of the outdoors and Nathalie can stay busy in the city. But once they set foot in the mountains, those same qualities that made them choose Grenoble quickly causes discord. She wants to live right in the city, but Ben would rather live further out in nature. It's up to real estate agent Luc Grange to find a home these two can agree on. And he must do it for under $425,000 in one of France's most expensive areas.
Episode 10: Beating a Seller's Market in Melbourne, Australia
Charles and Jennifer are planning for parenthood and they're dreaming of the land down under because the climate and culture remind them of their Southern California roots. Melbourne in particular is a fly locale for a young family settling in style, but the housing market is a buyer's worst nightmare! Properties are flying off the shelves quicker than Charles and Jennifer can get to them. When the game's odds are stacked against them, however, is it time to rewrite the rules? Find out when House Hunters warms up in sunny Melbourne, Australia. Featuring professional real estate agent Tracey Russell.
Episode 9: Permanent Sabbatical in Salta, Argentina
With successful careers and a house in Brooklyn, New Yorkers Noah Edelblum and Leigh Shulman were happy with their version of the American dream. Then came daugher Lila, and the city they once loved became a tight fit for this family of three. They decided to leave the city behind and travel the world. 3 years later, they landed in Salta and the rest was history. This small city in the Northern tip of Argentina offers the family friendly atmosphere they were craving. But its growing fast and so are home prices. With a $300,000 budget and construction around every corner, Real Estate Agent Ramiro Costa has a tough challenge to find this family a home that offers both access these New Yorkers need and the slower pace they desire, especially when Leigh and Noah aren't on the same page. With options both convienient and remote, old and new - what will the couple have to compromise to finally set roots? Find out when House Hunters International discovers Salta, Argentina.
Episode 8: Beating a Sellers Market in Melbourne Australia
A young family searches for a home in Melbourne, Australia.
Episode 7: Starting Over in Paris, France
While spending the summer in Paris as a law student, Mimi Chiang told her daughter Georgi she'd one day like to own a piece of this romantic city. Ten years later, her wish was still unfulfilled. But a tough battle with cancer and the death of her husband renewed Mimi's lease on life. She'd no longer wait for Paris to come to her. But once she arrives with her two kids, real estate agent Adrian Leeds has a message that could threaten 10 years of dreaming. Homes in her 1 million budget are scarce. And most likely, they will need some work, especially if she wants the classic French style. As Mimi and Georgi see what Paris has to offer, their eyes are opened. Will they settle for small or give up on the classic French style? Or will Mimi risk everything and spend thousands over her budget to create the vision she's clung to for years? Find out when House Hunters International walks the romantic streets of Paris, France.
Episode 6: Young Couple Moves to Florence, Italy
College sweethearts Rob and Kate Hash fell in love with Florence, Italy during a semester studying abroad. They made a pact that someday they would find a way to move there. Several years and a marriage later, the couple has found a way to make their dream come true. Having given her traditional office job, Kate branched out and started her own internet marketing business. Soon after, Rob was able to join her and now the couple are working hard at their entrepreneurial venture. Because the nature of the business grants amazing flexibility, Rob and Kate can work anywhere in the world. Now, they've found their opportunity to relocate, finally, to their beloved Florence. Buying a home in Florence is not an option just yet for the couple so they are looking to start out renting.
Episode 5: A Bachelor Buys In Berlin
Mark Maybank is a free-spirited, new age British bachelor who has spent most of his life travelling all over the world from Europe to Asia to North America and Australia. After getting a late start on his advanced education, he got a degree in therapeutic bodywork and is now a licensed massage therapast. This gives him the freedom to work wherever his heart desires. After reading newspaper articles about how cheap property is in Berlin, Mark has decided to invest in his first home ever. This makes his Mom particularly happy because although she resides in England now, she was born and raised in Germany. Mark looks forward to discovering his German roots but is somewhat apprehensive about taking on the responsibility of home ownership and a mortgage. Will he find the perfect bachelor pad to ease his worries? Or will he regret settling down after all his years of roaming the globe? Find out when House Hunters International takes the bachelor party to Berlin, Germany.
Episode 4: Expat living in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
After a job transfer to the island of Trinidad, Mollie and Kevin are taking their family on an island adventure. With a sizable rental budget, real estate agent Jeanine Tucker-Miller is able to unlock all the island has to offer - from high rise apartments to private islands. As the hunt moves along, the couple is conflicted. Should they go with a more sensible home that will leave them extra money for tropical fun or should they give into the island's luxurious temptations and break the budget? It's a tough choice as House Hunters International breezes onto the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago.
Episode 3: Reconnecting in Vodice, Croatia
After 20 years running the rat race in Melbourne, Ana is shifting away from the demands of her career for an amazing chance to reconnect with life in her familial homeland of Croatia. In the small seaside town of Vodice, options that fit Ana's budget and wish list are limited, but estate agent Jasminka Fiser Gavranovic is determined to find the right spot for her client. Will Ana find a home that fulfills her dream? Or will she be forced to compromise to make it come true? Find out when House Hunters International coasts to Vodice, Croatia.
Episode 2: Looking for Colonial Style Homes in the Heart of Guatemala's Highlands.
Guatemalan natives Jennifer and Mario built their careers while living in Dallas, but now that they have young children, they feel it's time to renew family ties in Guatemala. Mario is starting a music shop and they are prepping for the joys of home owning, but will their pursuit of old world traditions trump Texas-sized ambitions? Jennifer and Mario turn to professional real estate agent Ryan Katherine Sisco for help in navigating their repatriation as House Hunters International travels to La Antigua, Guatemala.