Foreword
The testimonies that you will read below are authentic and in good faith. They come from very real clients who have described their own experiences as they wish, without any particular instructions or direction other than their sincerity.
They all, by giving their testimonies, previously accepted the idea of meeting on site, over a beer or a mojito, anyone arriving who would like to see for themselves the quality of the houses, or check that these clients really exist!
Thank you for your trust and perhaps see you soon in the land of smiles…
Franco-Polish couple having lived as expatriates for around ten years in different countries including China, as we approached retirement we could hardly imagine staying in France especially as our pied-à-terres were too much for one small and the other made available free of charge to a parent until the end of their life.
We were also looking for a base where the sun would be generous, the sea warm all year round and life simpler and cheaper than in France.
After successively thinking about countries like Portugal, Mauritius or Madagascar, we finally opted against all expectations for Thailand on the basis of several criteria that this country all met: as already mentioned above, first of all the sun and warm sea all year round, then a cost of living incomparably lower than in Europe; but also convinced us the very affordable price of the properties (we are building a superb villa of 136 m2 + covered terrace of 40 m2, with private swimming pool on a plot of 500 m2 at the price of a studio in Paris), the welcome smiling Thai people, total security at any time of the day or night and top-notch health infrastructure, including in our adopted city of Hua Hin.
Coming alone for around ten days of prospecting in February 2017 (I had set foot in Thailand for the first time around 20 years earlier for a 2-week stay), I left having signed a land reservation with 'a local developer, in a subdivision under construction 5-6 km from the city center. This was made possible by the great availability and constant attention of the Associate Director of Century 21 Albert, who did not hesitate to meet with me absolutely every day (we had initially made appointments for just one day) and to present to me all the models that could correspond to my wishes and my price level. Thanks to him.
In addition to this preliminary step, my wife and I were able to appreciate Albert's availability beyond his strict role as a real estate intermediary since he assisted us in the process of opening a local bank account, in that obtaining a long-term visa or even obtaining a Thai driving license, an essential key to being able to travel without constraints.
We have now been living in Hua Hin for almost 6 months (we have indeed chosen to come as soon as possible not only to enjoy the local quality of life but also to monitor the progress of the construction of our house on a weekly basis which must be delivered in June 2018) and we have absolutely no regrets about our choice of life and country where, in addition to all the criteria already mentioned, we enjoy local cuisine every day at unbeatable prices.
So you too, don’t hesitate and if you want to, take the plunge like us! You will not regret it.
There is a quote from Gandhi that says: “Be the change you want to see in this world. »
Events in my life presented themselves to me and were an opportunity to start a new life project
Moving to Thailand, I see it as a door that opens... this was indeed the case when I first entered the Century 21 agency in Hua Hin and met Albert.
Moving to Thailand, I see it as a door that opens... this was indeed the case when I first entered the Century 21 agency in Hua Hin and met Albert.
I already had a thousand and one questions ready. From the outset I was won over by his attentiveness, his ability to identify my needs and respond to them clearly and precisely.
He took care of me for several days in a row: visiting houses, meeting owners and project managers. I felt in him the desire to convince and offer the best service.
Today I'm just getting started, I have reserved a new house off plan awaiting construction, and I have my eyes fixed on the horizon... of my swimming pool.
I feel the caress of the sun's rays on my back and in my right hand I offer a glass of thanks to Albert.
The charm of Thailand is no longer to be described, it is experienced more than expressed; it is easy to succumb to it and no regrets appear afterwards. The plan to settle there permanently or temporarily each year follows logically from this as soon as the freedom is given to do so. This was our case and Hua Hin seemed to us to be, through visits, contacts and readings, the place where we would be happy. The chance of the walk made us pass in front of Century 21 Hua Hin and the presence of a French-speaking sales agent made us enter; the story then began… since we found in this one, Albert Benitez, the “pearl” which allowed us to conclude the purchase of the house of our dreams.
Professionalism, permanent commitment served by a perfect knowledge of the real estate sales sector in Hua Hin, always available and helpful for any service going well beyond professional requirements, he then became a perfect friend.
I want to testify on the site of our friend Albert, which entails a story of a lived experience.
A photo and an ad from a French-speaking salesperson in front of Century 21 were the starting point of an adventure to acquire a “favorite” townhouse and to establish a solid friendship with Albert.
With relaxation but professionalism, he knew how to listen to us, and make our numerous visits moments of interesting exchanges. He spontaneously put himself at our service to help us discover Hua Hin, going beyond his salesmanship to become a guide and an interpreter, always available and happy to help us appreciate his living environment.
We came to Hua Hin, Thailand for the first time in February 2017.
It was a real shock, love at first sight. We were won over by this superb country on all levels, the Thai gastronomy (yes yes gastronomy), the kindness and welcome of the Thai people, the heat and the sun, the beauty of the landscapes, the quality of life, there is nothing there is no insecurity, the sea and its long beaches allow for beautiful walks, horseback riding or cycling.
We came back there in August 2017, for the whole month, to make sure we wanted to spend the rest of our days there... it's not so easy to make this decision.
And then after a few days, mutual friends put us in touch with Albert.
It took us less than 3 hours to decide, after a thousand questions and a visit to the show apartment, to conclude the purchase of a beautiful off-plan apartment with a sea view 800 m from the beach.
Albert admitted to us that he had broken a record with us.
Besides, we are waiting for him to repay us with many mojitos and all his friendship… I'm joking of course, because that day we made the best deal of our lives under the advice of a true friend. If you do business with Albert, you will agree that he is capable of much more thanks to his experience and his knowledge of the country, I hope you discover it!
There is a whole French community in Hua Hin, which we are eager to join having met them there and even back in France, who have also become friends.
It is believed that every French person attracted to this corner of paradise has in their heart and soul, a Thai heart and soul.
It was a Franco-Thai cultural association in France that advised us to contact Century 21 through Albert to provide us with the expected advice when looking for a house in Hua Hin.
Initially we didn't know Hua Hin at all. During our first meeting Albert showed us the added value of this city, and answered all our questions on the social, fiscal, legal and financial levels.
Albert was a valuable advisor. He was always available, attentive, attentive and pleasant.
He has a perfect command of his subject and also knows the nice restaurants, the places to relax, but also the “good spots” to enjoy an excellent mojito!
Thanks to his skills, we were able to identify our dream house and are eager to settle in Hua Hin.
Thank you Albert for your professionalism and your sympathy.
After a lifetime of numerous personal and professional travels, I was looking for a sunny destination to settle down temporarily or permanently. My choice obviously fell on Thailand, as if it came naturally. I was charmed by a cool, even zen culture, a rapidly developing country while keeping its soul, galloping technologies, welcoming people and, as the etymology of the country's name indicates, always smiling. Hua Hin remained at the top of the list of stopping points and cities visited. Small town, but not too much, close to the capital and especially by the sea. There, I met Albert from the Century 21 real estate agency, whose assistance was invaluable, both in listening to my needs and professional competence, as well as practical aids which go well beyond the scope of their profession. The whole thing was decisively effective.
We found our little corner of paradise in Hua Hin.
When we retired, we wanted to find a place to spend the winter months in the sun.
Following a report on M6 on Thailand and in particular on Hua Hin, we chose this destination and rented an apartment for a month.
We quickly appreciated this city where life is good, beautiful beaches, with small restaurants where you can enjoy very good Thai cuisine, night markets with lots of entertainment, there are three hospitals as well as two very large shopping centers, transport is numerous and very accessible, touk touk, taxi, bus and above all the Thais are kind, welcoming, polite and very available, in short we were fine.
During our walks, we were surprised to pass in front of a well-known real estate agency in France, Century 21. We made an appointment with the French representative the next day. Welcoming and cheerful, he was able to quickly define our needs, we wanted a comfortable villa with a swimming pool, but not large land and within our budget. He found our little nest for us in less than three days, this gentleman's name is Albert, he accompanied us throughout the transaction with the English law firm, helped us in all our administrative and banking procedures, he brought us an exceptional service for a real estate agent, we are very grateful to him, because if we are very happy today in Hua Hin, it is thanks to him. THANK YOU Albert.
We would like to thank Mr Albert for his attentiveness, advice, kindness and professionalism for the purchase of our house in Hua Hin. We bought 2 years ago we chose Thailand for the sun, the safety on the streets, the kindness of the people and the cost of living. After several meetings with real estate agents our choice fell on Mr Albert, a relaxed but very professional agent, simple and zen like Thailand. Buying in Thailand seems complicated when you don't speak English, which is our case, Mr Albert accompanied us and advised us through all the procedures which was very easy and clear for the paperwork. Thank you Albert, thanks to you we have reached the end of our project and the days that pass confirm our choice.
After visiting Thailand from north to south and from east to west for several years, my choice was made, I will come to live in Thailand for its quality of life and its climate as soon as I retire within a year. year. All that remained was to find the right place.
The main criterion was to be close to the sea and then find a quiet, peaceful and sunny place.
So I decided to go see HUA HIN. While strolling down a street in old Hua Hin, I pushed open the door of the Century 21 Agency. The French-speaking real estate agent had come out, his secretary called him and 10 minutes later Albert BENITEZ was there. After explaining my project and my budget to him, we leave that same afternoon to visit.
I finally opted for a new construction in a secure, quiet residence, close to a small river, surrounded by hills and pineapple fields.
Albert gave me really good advice and introduced me to the person responsible for the chosen program, and every time I come from France to follow the work, Albert accompanies me and gives very good advice.
In addition to finding you the house of your dreams, he helps you with administrative procedures, driving licenses, opening a bank account and all this with a beautiful smile and a look full of kindness! He is an extraordinary Real Estate Agent and I know what I am talking about because I work in a Real Estate Agency in France.
I can't wait to come and settle permanently in this beautiful region, to walk around the old town full of charm, to eat for next to nothing in small restaurants with terraces on stilts above the sea and all this in the sun under a light sea breeze, enjoying my swimming pool, my tropical garden, having parties and aperitifs with my new neighbors and my new friends of which Albert is one of course.
Come join us, the more, the merrier!
We are waiting for you …
Thanks to Albert who helped us a lot in our search for a nice house in Hua Hin.
Albert is a simple, kind and available man who is serious about his work and he takes all his time to show us around the city and the different villas and explain many things to us and even he came on a Saturday afternoon to give us one last visit.
We will keep good memories of him, thank you for his patience. You can work with Albert, he bends over backwards to find you the best offers. Great.
Having visited Thailand for many years, the idea of coming to spend a few months there or to settle there for retirement would not have seen the light of day if we had not met Albert.
First of all, our telephone contact from France was decisive because Albert was able to respond beyond our real estate expectations: he was able to inform us about the city of Hua Hin, about the different visas, about the procedures to follow for the follow-up of construction file, on opening a bank account… His advice gave us confidence and we were right because today we live in a beautiful and pleasant house! Without his support and professionalism we probably would not have taken the plunge.
During our search for a property in Thailand we were directed to Albert. We greatly appreciated his involvement, his professionalism and his kindness. We had well-defined criteria and a budget that was not necessarily adequate. Albert did his best to satisfy us, without ever forcing the sale. It allowed us to better understand the Thai real estate market. We didn't find what we were looking for but we will happily return to Albert on our next search.
Living on Reunion Island and approaching retirement, we looked for a destination that could combine the tropical climate, security and a reasonable cost of living.
After reflection, we chose Thailand, more precisely Hua Hin, a destination chosen by many retirees for its calm, its beaches, and the proximity of Bangkok with future development (TGV, Airport, etc.)
We therefore made several stays in this city, in order to confirm our choice and to understand the real estate market. The only agency that was able to bring together and understand all our selection criteria happened to be Century 21, with a French-speaking contact, Mr Albert Benitez, very professional, always attentive and not hesitating to provide small services.
Today we are the owners of a magnificent house with swimming pool and large garden with trees in a superb quiet subdivision, surrounded by pineapple fields and mountains, a stone's throw from a golf course. We return there on vacation most often possible (at least three times / year because direct line between Reunion and Thailand) while waiting to stay there permanently for our retirement.
Thanks Albert
We discovered Thailand with my wife in 2009 during a wonderful trip which took us from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by road with stops in cities and regions full of history and architectural beauty. We said to ourselves why not consider spending our retirement one day in the Land of Smiles and Kindness.
The idea caught on and in February 2017 we spent 3 weeks finding our happiness in the Hua Hin region where friends had been living there for more than 6 months. For more than ten days and several Real Estate Agencies contacted, we still had not found anything that we liked.
It was while passing in front of the Century 21 agency, near the Hilton hotel, that we met Albert who showed us several villas in the Pak Nam Pran / Pran Buri region. We fell in love with an already built villa and its rural environment. I would not like to say too much about Albert, for fear of being suspected of collusion, but I can assure you that he is a competent, trustworthy and dedicated person with whom we enjoy meeting from time to time. with his kind and lovely companion. He facilitated all the procedures for the acquisition of our real estate: choosing a law firm, opening a bank account, choosing an insurer for our house, etc.
Another BIG THANK YOU Albert.
Having made numerous trips to magnificent countries such as Bali, Borneo, Sri Lanka, etc...
It was in Thailand that we returned several times and little by little the idea of buying a property to spend more time was born. time and why not retirement. Our choice fell on Hua Hin, for its quality of life, its infrastructure and its climate.
Not speaking English, we turned to the Century21 agency because we noticed that a French-speaking representative was present there.
This is how we met Albert.
After various visits to villas with him, his professionalism, his knowledge, his sympathy, his attentiveness to our expectations, he allowed us to bring a beautiful project to fruition and to support us in different procedures. He was able to put us at ease and make us meet other French-speaking residents, all over a drink in good humor and sympathy.
A big thank you Albert!!
You have become more than a real estate agent for us.
We were very lucky to meet you!
The adventure of Thailand continues thanks to you and with you, at the next meetings at the Mojito bar!???
We fell in love with Thailand after staying there several times. We decided to invest for our retirement.
Our choice fell on Hua Hin which has many advantages: proximity to Bangkok (soon with a TGV line), its climate, its beaches, its magnificent landscapes, its golf courses, its security, not to mention the kindness of the people.
For this project we had the chance to meet Albert Benitez, associate director of the Century 21 agency. So many questions, so many clear, precise answers. He was able to advise us and help us with many administrative tasks.
He continues to do so even though we are already residents of Hua Hin.
Many thanks to Albert for his professionalism and his great availability
My professional travels in Asia brought me to know Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia but it was in Thailand, where I had spent a few weeks of vacation in recent years, that my mother and I decided to , to settle down. Indeed, during our various trips, we were able to measure the welcome and kindness of the people, the quality of the infrastructure and felt a feeling of zenitude.
We chose Hua Hin for its proximity to the sea and its family atmosphere. After some research on the Internet and reading people's testimonials on the Century 21 website, I contacted Albert.
Contact was quick. His availability, his advice and his ability to listen allowed us, in a few days, to visit several houses corresponding to our criteria. But his mission was not limited to finding our new “home”: Albert also transported us and helped us in all our procedures with immigration, with banks for opening an account, with the office of Transport to obtain a driving license and from a law firm.
Thank you Albert for being there with us throughout this journey.
