Jennifer and Benjamin, both in their early fifties, were thinking ahead. They love their life in Manhattan—the energy, the culture, the community—but they don’t see their long-term future in the U.S. With retirement not too far off, they wanted to plan their next chapter intentionally. Within the next five to ten years, they hope to move to Israel and were looking to put down real roots. Seeing how quickly real estate prices in Israel were rising, they knew that if they didn’t buy soon, they might be priced out of the market.
They decided to come to Israel for an eight-day trip over the winter holidays, which coincided with Chanukah, making it the perfect opportunity to explore different locations, experience the country during a festive season, and make progress on their search.
Starting the Search with Buyitinisrael
Before their trip, Jennifer and Benjamin reached out to Buyitinisrael, seeking expert guidance on how to approach the process. In our initial discussions, we took the time to understand their parameters, preferences, and needs—what kind of home they envisioned, which locations suited their lifestyle, and what was most important to them. We provided them with essential guidance, helping them navigate the complexities of the Israeli real estate market and pointing them to key resources on our website, including relevant articles and podcast episodes. This allowed them to better understand the process and make informed decisions. With this foundation, we strategically filtered the options and presented them with properties aligned with their goals.
They sent over listings they had found online, and in return, we provided additional handpicked opportunities, including second-hand apartments and new projects in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. When they arrived in Israel, their itinerary was carefully planned, allowing them to maximize their time and focus on the homes that best matched their needs.
Tel Aviv or Jerusalem?
Their first stop was Tel Aviv. The beachfront views were breathtaking, and the city was alive with energy, restaurants, and culture. It was easy to imagine waking up to the sound of the waves, taking a morning stroll along the promenade, and enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere. It felt familiar, similar to Manhattan in its pace and international appeal.
Yet something about it felt temporary, like an extended vacation rather than a permanent home. It was fun and exciting, and it was a place they knew their oldest daughter—who doesn’t see her future in Israel—would love to visit. But when they imagined daily life, it didn’t feel quite right.
Then, they turned to Jerusalem. Walking through Baka, the German Colony, and Rehavia, the atmosphere was different. The tree-lined streets, the blend of old and new, and the rich community life drew them in. The city had a quieter, deeper pulse that felt more familiar and comfortable. It was a place where they could see themselves settling, where daily life felt more aligned with what they were looking for.
Finding the Perfect Home
That sense of belonging solidified when they found a brand-new three-bedroom apartment in Hashlosha, a boutique project in the German Colony, part of an existing compound being rebuilt from the ground up. It offered the best of both worlds: the charm of an established neighborhood with the luxury of modern construction. The layout was perfect, and the sukkah balcony sealed the deal—it was exactly what they had envisioned for their new life in Israel.
Making the Final Decision
Even after finding what seemed like the perfect home, we wanted to ensure that Jennifer and Benjamin fully understood their options and were making the right choice. We sat down with them to thoroughly review each property. Beyond just showing them apartments, we made sure they understood every aspect—location, value, potential appreciation, and any limitations—so they could make clear, fair comparisons.
We helped them weigh the advantages of each property, analyzing long-term investment potential and lifestyle factors. They carefully considered the financials, the timeline, and how the purchase fit into their broader Aliyah plans. Our role was not to push them toward a decision but to equip them with the knowledge and perspective to confidently choose what was best for them.
With everything laid out, Jennifer and Benjamin knew they were making the right call. They were ready to move forward on Hashlosha.
Negotiating the Best Deal
Once they decided, Buyitinisrael negotiated on their behalf, securing a favorable price and excellent payment terms. But the work didn’t stop at a price. We ensured upgrades, extra credits, and improved technical specifications, ensuring their apartment would truly reflect their needs and style.
To ensure a smooth transition, we connected them with a team of trusted professionals to guide them through every step of the process. A dedicated project manager would oversee the construction, managing the project from abroad to ensure everything stayed on track. An experienced real estate lawyer handled the legal side of the transaction, ensuring all paperwork was in place and their interests were fully protected. To streamline their financial setup in Israel, we assisted in opening a bank account and facilitated connections with a reliable currency exchange service for seamless money transfers and conversions.
Since their trip was only eight days and they wouldn’t be in Israel for the signing, they left Power of Attorney (POA) with their lawyer to finalize the deal on their behalf. She coordinated every step remotely, keeping them informed and involved throughout the process. With all the details carefully arranged, they were ready to move forward, and the contract was signed in their absence.
Jerusalem is Home
In three years, their apartment will be ready. For now, they will continue their lives in New York, visiting Israel whenever they can. Once their apartment is complete, they will come for longer stays, gradually spending more time in Israel until they are ready to make Aliyah. And when they’re in the mood for Tel Aviv’s energy, they’ll book a hotel and enjoy the city for a weekend.
Their son, who is currently learning in yeshiva in Jerusalem, will enlist in the army next month. With plans to make Aliyah and build a life in Israel, he will always have a home to return to. Their youngest daughter will also have a place to come back to after completing medical school in the U.S. And even their oldest, who insists that Aliyah isn’t for her, might find herself visiting more often than she expects.
They have taken the leap carefully, thoughtfully, and with the right guidance. Now, the countdown to home has begun.
The Buyitinisrael team includes industry experts, journalists, researchers, editors, and translators, all working together to provide reliable, up-to-date information about the Israeli property market in English. With a focus on transparency and accessibility, the goal is to empower English-speaking buyers by helping them understand the market and navigate the real estate process with confidence.
For inquiries, email [email protected].
