Speaking to -
STERKin, financing partner

Who are the people bringing Baia Vista to life? In this interview series, we talk to the people behind the project: from buyers and investors to designers, builders and others involved. Each with their own story, a unique vision and a special bond with Curaçao.

Be inspired by their motivations, dreams and experiences - and discover how they are building something beautiful together on this sunny island.

The word - Mark Sauerbreij (STERKin)

In this edition, we speak to Mark Sauerbreij, founder of STERKin, specialist in (international) property finance and financing partner of Baia Vista.

Financing as the foundation of a dream

Buying a property in Curaçao is a dream for many. But with that dream come questions: what are my financing options, how does this work internationally and what do I need to consider?
For those issues, Baia Vista is working with STERKin.

Mark Sauerbreij recounts:
“At STERKin, we assist clients in financing their homes or real estate, both in the Netherlands and in Curaçao. We do this with a team of financial specialists spread across several branches in the Netherlands.”

In recent years, STERKin has increasingly specialised in international financing issues, especially for people investing in real estate in Curaçao.
“That requires knowledge of both markets as well as oversight.”

Looking beyond one country or one bank

What sets STERKin apart is its broad outlook.
“We look beyond one country or one bank,” Mark explains. “Because we know both the Dutch and Curaçao mortgage and real estate markets well, we can compare different options side by side.”

This is not about individual solutions, but about the overall picture.
“We look at the financial situation now, but also the future. This is how we help clients get a solution that really fits their lives and plans.”

The partnership with Baia Vista

The collaboration between STERKin and Baia Vista came naturally.
“We were increasingly talking to clients who were interested in the Baia Vista project,” says Mark. “They were looking for clarity: what can I finance from the Netherlands and what are the possibilities in Curaçao?”

That common need brought both parties together.
“Baia Vista develops high-quality homes in a beautiful location. We make sure buyers are financially well prepared. That combination inspires confidence.”

How STERKin guides buyers

For every financing request, STERKin starts with a personal interview.
“We want to know who someone is, what the purpose of the purchase is and what the financial situation looks like. Only then do we look at concrete possibilities.”

The full picture is then mapped out.
“We analyse the options, choose a suitable financing construction together with the client and guide the whole process towards the bank. This is how we keep an overview and keep the client involved.”

To work quickly and carefully, STERKin asks for basic data such as income information, assets, current liabilities and details of the property to be purchased at an early stage.
“This is done through a personal online portal. This makes the process clear and secure.”

On average, a funding process takes a few weeks to several months.
“International files often require a bit more preparation. But both in the Netherlands and Curaçao, we work with permanent teams at the banks, which ensures clarity and speed.”

Common questions and misconceptions

STERKin often gets the same questions from buyers:
Can I finance this from the Netherlands? How does financing work in Curacao? What does this mean for my existing mortgage?

According to Mark, these questions are quite understandable.
“For many people, it is their first international purchase. Good explanations give peace of mind.”

A common misconception is that everything has to be paid with your own funds, or that financing in Curaçao works the same as in the Netherlands.
“In practice, there are often more opportunities than previously thought, especially if you use existing asset structures intelligently.”

Trends and advice

Mark sees that the mortgage market is stabilising and interest from foreign buyers remains strong.
“At the same time, good preparation is becoming increasingly important.”

His main advice to prospective buyers of projects like Baia Vista:
“Start on time and get good advice. Look not only at the purchase price, but also at additional costs and the impact on your overall financial situation.”

Tax and legal differences also deserve attention.
“These differences require careful coordination. We therefore work with a network of local specialists so that buyers are properly guided.”

Finally, Mark stresses the importance of overview.
“Bring the overall picture into focus and look at the possibilities in the Netherlands and in Curaçao. This creates the ‘best of both worlds’.”

In conclusion

“Buying a property in Curaçao is a beautiful and exciting step,” concludes Mark.
“With the right preparation and guidance, it can be not only a dream, but also a responsible investment.”

More information on STERKin's services in Curaçao is here find.

Read more from this series:

🔹 The word - Two sisters, one dream
About how two sisters and their partners with a shared love for Curaçao and a strong entrepreneurial heart are now realising their third home on the island - this time inside Baia Vista.

🔹 The word - Closer to the family
About how, after years of holidays in Curaçao, Jan & Elly finally decided to invest in a home on the island - not only because of the sun and tranquillity, but mainly to be closer to their daughter, son-in-law and grandson.

🔹 The word - The architect
On how architect Cees den Heijer designed Baia Vista as a living environment that blends into the landscape: with natural cooling, plenty of space, and a vision in which every day feels like a holiday.

🔹 The word - Sani Kitchen Projects
On how Michael Grootjans of Sani Kitchen Projects and his team ensure high-quality kitchens, bathrooms and tiles at Baia Vista - with an eye for quality, sustainability and natural luxury in a tropical climate.

🔹 The word - Friendship & investing
On how friends Ernst & Mitchell translated their shared entrepreneurial mentality and friendship into a joint real estate investment in Curaçao - a combination of forward-looking investment and own use at Baia Vista.