House Hunters International

Wisconsinites Hoping to Settle in Auckland Must Consider Buying a Home off the Auction Block

For 11 years, Jennifer, Russ and their three girls enjoyed the security of their close-knit Wisconsin community. But the couple had a nagging sense they were missing-out on experiences beyond their reach. On a whim, Jennifer, an audiologist, applied to a position in New Zealand. And to the family's surprise, their future took a dramatic turn. They soon found themselves headed 8,000 miles from home to Auckland. When they arrived they settled into a rental, but quickly found its quarters too cramped. And since the city was agreeing with For 11-years, Jennifer, Russ and their three girls enjoyed the security of their close-knit Wisconsin community. But the couple had a nagging sense they were missing-out on experiences beyond their reach. On a whim, Jennifer, an audiologist, applied to a position in New Zealand. And to the family's surprise, their future took a dramatic turn. They soon found themselves headed 8,000 miles from home to Auckland. When they arrived they settled into a rental, but quickly found its quarters too cramped. And since the city was agreeing with them, Jennifer and Russ decided to make the move more permanent and invest in a home. But to their dismay, properties in Auckland were few and far between. And in this sellers' market, most homes were sold on the auction block to the highest bidder. So with dad not working and only one income coming in, the couple were faced with a challenging house hunt. And finding a home in their 700,000 dollar budget with enough space for a family of five and the character that Jennifer craved would be tough. Watch how they manage the city's pricey auction-based housing market when House Hunters International arrives in Auckland, New Zealand.

Wherever I may Romania

Putting Down Roots in Sao Paulo, Brazil

After a transient childhood that took her from America to Japan, Renee was finally putting down roots in Chicago. But less than a year after their wedding, an offer from Tom's financial firm once again changed her course. Now, the pressure's on Tom to make sure Renee feels at home in Brazil. Without any job prospects, she's seeking a wide range of amenities to help pass her days, and while Tom wants to make his wife comfortable, he's also hoping to save as much money as possible in order to travel. In one of the world's most expensive markets, they'll both have to compromise. House Hunters International heads south to Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Emptying The Nest In Puerto Vallarta

After long and stressful careers in Portland, Oregon, the Espinosas are retiring in the Latin city they love, but the dream of living in Puerto Vallarta means two very different things to Jorge and Jeannette. For Jorge, the party is just getting started so he wants a low maintenance downtown condo. Jeannette wants a big house with room for their grown children to always feel welcome. But in Puerto Vallarta's growing housing market, real estate agent Taniel Chemsian knows his divided clients have to come to a consensus before they get priced out. Find out if Jorge will get the downtown empty nest he wants or if family needs will cramp his style.

Headed for Jaco

After 20 years of vacations, insurance entrepreneurs David and Rene are planning ahead for retirement and buying a home now in Jaco, Costa Rica. While they credit their complementary personalities for business success, in their home search, it proves to be a hindrance. Rene dreams of waking up to the beach, while David is worried about the costs as House Hunters International heads to Jaco, Costa Rica.

Californians sell their Vineyard to Afford a Summer Home on the Costly Côte d'Azur

California winery owners Jann and Gerry cherished their many retreats to the Cote d'Azur. Enchanted by the Riviera's culture and impressed with its food and wine, the couple considered the region to be the perfect place to unwind. And after 16 years of running their vineyard, they decided it was time to sell up so they could afford a summer home in southeastern France. This time, when Gerry and Jann landed on the coast it was for business and not pleasure. And as they scoured the Cote looking for a property, they quickly discovered getting a home that recreated the magic of their holidays would cost more than the 275,000 dollars they were willing to spend. And as they searched, they struggled to find a place with old-world charm for Jann, but that was move-in ready for Gerry. Find out how they come to a conclusion when House Hunters International combs the Cote d'Azur.

Living the Surfers Dream in Bali

California pro surfer Scotty Hammonds has been traveling the world, living the surfers dream for over a decade. But his surfing safaris only last a couple of months before his savings run out and he has to return home. So he got a work visa for Australia and went there for a year to ride the waves in Surfers Paradise. His favorite waves, however, are in Bali, and he has made several sojourns there over the years. On his most recent visit, he met a girl. So with his work visa expiring, instead of moving home to Cali as planned, he's decided to try to make a permanent move to Bali. When he gets there, he has to find a place to live for himself and two roommates, and get a serious job. That's a lot of reality for a guy who's been living a dream since he was 17 years old. But his girlfriend Lara will be there to help him pick a house, and she has asked her brother, who is a property consultant, to help them find one. Find out if Scotty will catch a long ride or wipe out, in this episode of House Hunters International, in Bali.

Tuscany Way You Want It

Karl is an airline pilot from Sweden and his wife Aude is a graphic designer from France. They met in Hong Kong and because their jobs allow them to settle virtually anywhere they want, they've been living in Girona, Spain. But now these citizens of the world have a young daughter and another baby on the way, and they've decided they'd rather raise their kids in the remote hills of Tuscany. Aude wants a home with no neighbors in the middle of nowhere, but Karl has to live close to the airport for work. Find out if they can get everything they need as House Hunters International visits Tuscany, Italy.

Growing Pains in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Keenan and Teresa lived separately in Melbourne but are now looking to move in together in the Netherlands. They fell in love with Amsterdam on one of their vacations and wanted to be based there to explore the rest of Europe. Keenan found a college course that would bring them to the Netherlands but it was not in Amsterdam but rather Rotterdam. Rotterdam may not have been their first choice but they are determined to find the city's Dutch charm. They will try to find a place that not only fits with their vision of modern Dutch living, but also is spacious enough for her but cheap enough for him. Keenan and Teresa will try to work through the growing pains of living together in the Netherlands' city of Rotterdam.

All For One, Five For San Juan

When Paul was offered a job promotion in San Juan Puerto Rico, his wife Amy was hesitant to move from their dream home and cozy life in the suburbs of Indiana. Once in San Juan, Paul thinks a move close to his job in the city would be a good change of pace for his suburban family. But after giving up their comfortable life in the states, Amy wants to make sure their kids' transition is smooth as House Hunters International leaps into San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Finding an Idyllic Island Home in the Marshall Islands

After receiving his Master's degree in anthropology, Matt Riding landed a job working for the Marshall Islands' government. Located halfway between Hawaii and Australia, Matt's new post is taking him to one of the most remote corners of the globe and options on the capital atoll of Majuro are limited. With a severe housing shortage, the idyllic, waterfront existence Matt's been envisioning is quickly called into jeopardy, along with his fixed budget. Now, it's up to local residents Todd Mulroy and Beth Price to help Matt adjust to the realities of his new home, including the possible necessity of taking on a roommate. House Hunters International embraces a unique and ancient culture in Majuro, the Marshall Islands.

Seeking Creature Comforts in the Remote Marshall Islands

Archaeologist Mike Terlep has always had an adventurous spirit, but after accepting a position with the Marshall Islands government, he's not sure what he's gotten into. With limited knowledge of this far-flung Pacific Island nation, Mike is searching for a home with the Western conveniences that will make him feel comfortable. But the extremely tight market means compromise is key and Mike may have to adjust his expectations and adapt to a new set of norms. House Hunters International ventures into uncharted territory in Majuro, the Marshall Islands.

From Taxis to Tuk Tuks

Wanting to connect to her roots, American born Nanda is leaving behind a lucrative Wall Street career to be part of Cambodia's promising future. The move is a hit to her pocket, but Nanda sees a silver lining. She's looking forward to the inexpensive quiet space she never had in New York City. But her friend, fellow former New Yorker Vanna, thinks Nanda might be in over her head. The capital city Phnom Penh is growing right along with property prices. With Nanda's modest budget, real estate agent Srun Sophea knows his client can't have it all. Watch worlds collide as Nanda plugs in to Cambodia's future, in Phnom Penh.