House Hunters International — Season 23

Aired 17 February 2011 • 23 min

Marco studied to be a teacher, but his career got off-track. Now he has a chance to get back into the classroom with a new job at an international school in the Republic of Singapore. His parents worry that life on the steamy tropical island will be too difficult for him, but he's sure it's the right move. And after a teary goodbye, Marco sets off on the ten thousand mile flight from Washington, DC, to the Republic of Singapore. Since Marco starts work at the school the same day he arrives, he doesn't have much time to get settled in. Fortunately, his school sets him up with real estate agent Jane Chia, and gives him a $3,000 monthly housing allowance. Marco has his heart set on a modern apartment near Singapore's lively downtown district, but Jane knows his relatively modest budget will force him to compromise on something as House Hunters International heads for the island Republic of Singapore.

Aired 24 February 2011 • 23 min

When Richard Tsao's boss offered him a new job in Chengdu, China, he knew moving there meant taking a big chance. But since he and his wife I-Leen are both first-generation Chinese-Americans, the move is also a way to help their daughter Elise get acquainted with her heritage. But the Tsao's aren't able to sell their house before heading off on the 6,300 mile journey from Seattle, Washington, to Chengdu, China. Limited to a budget of just $300,000, the Tsao's are lucky to have real estate agent Dustin Mills helping them on the hunt. The Tsao's want a home that's conveniently located and that offers a Chinese atmosphere, but doesn't make them feel like outsiders. Dustin pulls out all the stops to show them some good options, but as their old house lingers on the market, coming up with enough cash for China's customary 40% down payment becomes a big issue as House Hunters International goes to Chengdu, China.

Aired 3 March 2011 • 23 min

Rob and Lisa Acker are ready to trade in their suburban Cincinnati life for a foreign adventure - and give their 3 sons a global experience. When Lisa gets a job at an interntaional school in Hong Kong, the family is on their way! But the house hunt leaves them wondering if they can give up the familiar American amenities or dive headfirst into Hong Kong living. The skyscraper city's sky-high prices are the most expensive in the world...so the Ackers decide to rent instead of buy. They are looking for a 3 bedroom home, with a view, close to both the school and work. But even with an ample budget of $6500 dollars a month, finding everything they want in a Hong Kong home is a challenge. Luckily, real estate agent Tania Schnuppe knows the dos, don'ts and dollar signs of Hong Kong's thriving real estate market. But will finding a house in unfamiliar territory give the Ackers a new perspective or have them longing for the comforts of home? Find out when House Hunters International scales the world's most vertical city - Hong Kong.

Aired 10 March 2011 • 23 min

Brent has been transferred to Hong Kong and, despite her concerns, his girlfriend Natalie is committed to moving with him. Coming from spacious homes in Australia, the high-rises, galley kitchens and tiny bedrooms that are the norm in their new city are a bit of shock. Can these two adapt to "vertical living" at jaw-dropping prices? Find out when real estate agent Amy Ng helps Brent and Natalie expatriate to Hong Kong, China.

Aired 17 March 2011 • 23 min

Mississippi native Amanda fell in love with Darren and moved to his native England, only to fall in love with the country as well. Now after the birth of their twins and years of renting, the young couple hopes to buy their first family home. They are searching in the county of Hertfordshire, a close commute to Darren's job in London. Although Amanda loves the English lifestyle and has even taken on the accent, her ideas of spacious living are all-American. The couple is looking for a 2 bedroom home in a village setting, but while Amanda dreams of a English cottage with lots of space, Darren has his sights set on a modern property. Real estate agent Katie Mardell tries to find middle ground AND work within their $400,000 budget. Will the house hunt make Amanda's cottage dreams come true or is this wayward southerner in for a reality check? Find out when House Hunters International travels to merry old England.

Aired 24 March 2011 • 23 min

Family is everything to Franco and Monica Ciaravino. That's why they are buying a home in Sicily, where Franco's parents were from. The couple wants to preserve the family heritage for their 3 children, by owning a home in his familial hometown of Castellammare del Golfo. But the couple's $300,000 budget may not cover everything they hope for - a 3 bedroom with water views, in the seaside town of Castellammare. Real estate agent Stefania Russo has sobering news about property prices in their ideal locale. House hunting in Sicily requires an open mind, as the couple encounters high prices, unfinished kitchens and fixer-uppers. As Stefania offers up options, Franco and Monica must decide if connecting to their past is worth comprising their financial future - when House Hunters International returns to Sicily.

Aired 21 April 2011 • 23 min

Newlyweds Alex and Alyson trade in southern comforts for Middle Eastern opulence, leaving Mississippi for the ''City of Gold'' - Dubai, U.A.E. After exploring the ups and downs of glamorous Dubai marina living, the couple has only one chance to get their home right. But the house hunt isn't the only search to do. With the move, Alyson finds her neonatal ICU career in disarray. Will she be able to rekindle her career? And will the couple land their dream Dubai home to start married life? Find out when House Hunters explores Dubai, U.A.E.

Aired 9 June 2011 • 23 min

When Bill McGehee got a job offer in Sweden, wife Mali jumped at the chance for her family to experience life outside their homeown of Orlando. The catch - they had to move quickly. So the family packed their suitcases and headed 5000 miles away to Uppsala. In a place where nothing is familiar, Bill and Mali want convienience..and a real European experience. That means a condo in center city and even though they're up for a renovation, options at the $400,000 budget are slim. Real Estate Agent Daniel Jansson knows they might have to go a little further out to get the real family space they want. Will they give up their European adventure for a house that's familiar? Or settle for construction to really experience life in the heart of Scandanavia? Find out when House Hunters heads to Uppsala, Sweden.

Aired 9 November 2011 • 23 min

LA musicians are a dime a dozen and the road to stardom is leading Emad Alaeddin back home. In a land where rock and roll is still new Emad wants to make some noise, but without an inspirational pad to hang his guitar will his middle-eastern tour be a hit? Find out when Emad Alaeddin recruits real estate agent Wael Al Jabari to help him find a creative sanctum among the busy apartment blocks of Amman, Jordan.

Aired 5 June 2011 • 23 min

Shaun and Carol are no strangers to the great outdoors as they live on a large farm in South Africa. Now their latest adventure is moving overseas to the outdoor paradise of Noosa, Australia. Though both dreaming of their final destination, the search for their home leaves them seeking different things. Carol wants to live in the tropical bush, but Shaun thinks the suburbs are more convenient. Can practical and paradise coexist? Find out, when House Hunters off-roads into Noosa, Australia with real estate agent Chris Allen.

Aired 6 June 2011 • 23 min

For newlyweds Ashely and Simon, Kenya is the place where they first met and feel in love during college. So, they're next African safari is a one-way ticket to the place where it all began. But in Kenya's biggest city, acquiring the comforts of home can run a high tab. Is this expedition short on funds? Find out when House Hunters International travels to Nairobi, Kenya with professional real estate agent Ken Marine.

Aired 26 May 2011 • 23 min

After a job transfer overseas, Houston natives Larry and Carey Stanteen search for an American-sized property in Budapest, Hungary. They quickly learn that while everything may be big in Texas, that's not the case along the banks of the legendary Danube River. Will they be able to mesh their oversized ideals with the reality of the Budapest property market? Or will the cost of moving abroad prove too steep? Find out, when House Hunters explores the Hungarian capital.

Aired 7 July 2011 • 23 min

David Woodhouse and Michelle Drouse met in sunny Orange County and bonded over their love of California. She's a city planner, he's a car designer for a major auto manufacturer but Middle Eastern dance and car racing are their first loves. When a relocation back to his home country of England offered a chance to reconnect with those old passions, the couple jumped at the chance. But across the pond, trouble is brewing. David's hoping to find the same modern lifestyle they had in Orange County. The problem? They've decided to buy property in Wiltshire, home to Stonehenge and one of the most historic areas in all of England. Michelle just wants to find a place where she can feel at home and connect with English culture. Pleasing both of them will be a tough task for Real Estate Agent James Dearsley. Their $640,000 budget won't make it any easier. To live the modern life in the English countryside, something's got to give for Michelle and David. Will it be rural charm, modern space...or a big budget? Find out when House Hunters heads to historic Wiltshire, England.