David, a retired cardiologist, and Rebecca, a former school principal, felt a deep connection to Israel. Though they owned an apartment in Jerusalem, rising anti-Semitism and concerns about events in the U.S. prompted them to expand their presence in Israel. They sought a practical investment and a meaningful step toward safeguarding their family’s future. Envisioning a home near the Mediterranean where they could host their grandchildren and create lasting memories, they turned to Netanya, with its stunning beaches and vibrant English-speaking community, as the perfect place to begin their search.

David and Rebecca had a clear list of priorities for their new home:

• A property with a beachfront view.
• Proximity to an English-speaking synagogue.
• Walking distance to stores and amenities.
• A building with a Shabbat elevator no higher than the sixth floor.
• A three-bedroom apartment in good condition, ready for near-immediate possession.
• A pool in the building, both for their grandchildren to enjoy and for the social opportunities it could provide.
• A mix of resale and new construction options to compare.
• Staying under the $1,250,000 mark.

Before their trip to Israel, David, Rebecca, and I worked closely together to refine and narrow down the options. I left no stone unturned, conducting a complete, comprehensive market search. I collaborated with multiple local agents, developers, and property managers, reviewed listings, and investigated several off-market properties. Through countless conversations and exchanges, I eliminated irrelevant properties, ensuring the final selection aligned perfectly with their needs.

When David and Rebecca arrived in Israel for their week-long trip, they wanted to use their time effectively. We met in Netanya and got straight to work. Over the next two days, I showed them ten carefully selected properties, including resale homes and new construction. Each property was chosen for its alignment with their criteria and its potential to meet their long-term goals.

By the end of the second day, David and Rebecca had narrowed their choices to three standout options. One, however, emerged as the clear favorite: a three-bedroom apartment on the fifth floor of a modern building with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The building featured a swimming pool, functional common areas, and easy access to an English-speaking synagogue, shops, and cafes. It was in excellent condition, ready for near-immediate possession, and ideally suited to hosting their grandchildren.

On the fourth day of their trip, David and Rebecca returned to the apartment for a final viewing, confirming it as their top choice. With their decision made, they asked me to convey their offer and negotiate the purchase price on their behalf. After much back-and-forth, the seller’s agent and I successfully secured an agreement on the price, paving the way for the next steps in finalizing their purchase.

Before their trip ended, David and Rebecca met with their trusted attorney, who had previously assisted them with their property in Jerusalem. Together, they reviewed the property’s details, outlined the due diligence process, and discussed the next steps. Knowing they would soon return to the United States, they entrusted their attorney with power of attorney to handle the legal aspects of the transaction in their absence. They tasked me with coordinating the remaining stages of the process.

I oversaw the due diligence process, engaging a structural engineer to thoroughly inspect the property and ensure there were no hidden issues. I also consulted with a Shamai (property appraiser) to verify the building rights and investigate potential zoning changes that could affect the property or its view. Taking charge of these critical steps gave David and Rebecca confidence and peace of mind in their investment.

However, during the due diligence process, the shekel gained strength against the U.S. dollar, leading David and Rebecca to worry that the final purchase price in dollars would be significantly higher than the amount initially agreed upon in shekels. To address their concerns, I connected them with trusted money transfer services. These experts provided guidance through the financial logistics and developed a tailored strategy to minimize conversion costs, ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements, and hedge against further currency fluctuations. This proactive approach safeguarded their investment and gave David and Rebecca the peace of mind they needed during this critical stage of the transaction.

Within three weeks, the contract was signed, the initial payment was made, and David and Rebecca are now eagerly counting down to taking possession of their new beachfront home in 60 days. They’ve already begun planning their next stay in Israel and are considering renting out the apartment for short-term stays when they’re abroad. They’ve hired Gabi Hammer, a highly recommended property manager, to manage the property in their absence, to oversee everything from bill payments and maintenance to managing tenants.

David and Rebecca couldn’t be more thrilled about their new home. They’re already imagining their grandchildren playing by the pool, enjoying summer evenings on the balcony overlooking the Mediterranean, and building lasting memories in Israel.

If you’re considering buying a home in Israel, whether in Netanya, Jerusalem, Modi’in, or anywhere else, I’d love to help you make your dream a reality. With the correct planning and guidance, finding your perfect property in Israel can be seamless, exciting, and deeply rewarding.

Contact Debbie Goldfischer now!

Disclaimer: Names in this story have been adapted to protect client confidentiality. Any resemblance to actual persons or events is purely coincidental.