Article NRC 2019

"Wasting Money Is My Biggest Pet Peeve"

Manon de Lange (41), a real estate agent from Nootdorp, specializes in renting luxury homes to expats and footballers. "My tenants expect hotel-like service, even a personal chef." By Jonas Kooyman, Photo by Bob van der Vlist

"I rent out properties ranging from €1,200 to €10,000 a month, such as a villa in Wassenaar or a high-end apartment on Herengracht in The Hague. This market attracts a specific clientele—quality attracts quality. The homes belong to private owners or investors, and I rent them to embassy staff, footballers, celebrities, or expats from multinational companies. They typically come for a one-year stint and can select a beautiful place to live. I never turn my clients down—I go above and beyond to fulfill their requests. People in this market often ask for hotel-style services, like arranging a private chef or daily cleaning. They lead busy lives and want to outsource as much as they can. I have an excellent reputation, and my online ratings average 9.4. After seven years, that’s incredibly high, and I’m very proud of it.

I started this business in 2012 with a partner during the crisis, and now we’re a team of five. My team is incredible—without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Before this, I worked as a personal assistant to Marlies Dekkers, handling everything 24/7. When I had my first child, it was time for a change. I studied in the evenings for months and then worked tirelessly to get this business off the ground. I focus on personal connections—always calling my clients. If I don’t respond within a day, I might lose a tenant."

"Every morning, I drink two glasses of boiled water and skip breakfast. After showering and getting ready, I take care of my two sons: getting them dressed and packing their lunch. I try to exercise every day. My parents were incredibly frugal when I was growing up, so I’m the same way. When I dine out, I always opt for house wine or tap water. It’s not that I don’t tip, but I think carefully about money. I didn’t have parents in real estate to pass down knowledge; I built everything from scratch.

Wasting money is what frustrates me the most. I don’t believe my clients waste money—they live within their budget. But what annoys me is recklessness: like Lil Kleine spraying €200 bottles of champagne or shopping without checking the sales. When I take my kids to an amusement park, I pack my own sandwiches, and my youngest wears hand-me-downs from his brother.

I’m an ambassador for The Baby House, a shelter for babies and women who are pregnant or recently gave birth. I always ask my clients to donate to the house. But I do allow myself to enjoy life as well. For instance, I bought a new car. Every time I get into it, I feel like the happiest woman alive."

Lees het volledige interview hier