AkiyaMart Direct Buyers Club: Catherine G's Leap of Faith

In this episode of the 'Buying a House in Japan' podcast, hosts Take and Joey converse with Catherine, the first successful customer of the AkiyaMart Direct process, and real estate agent Yoshi Chatani. Catherine discusses her transition from Las Vegas to Tama, Japan, driven by her passion for Sanrio and Hello Kitty. They delve into the home-buying process, tackle challenges like international money transfers via OFX and Wise, and emphasize the significance of patience and property location near landmarks. Catherine provides valuable advice for future buyers and expresses her eagerness to explore Puroland. 00:00 Introduction to the New Series 00:43 Special Guests and Their Stories 01:53 Catherine's Journey to Buying a House in Japan 02:44 The Buying Process and Challenges 04:30 Finding the Perfect Condo 05:36 Details About the New Condo 08:29 Reflections on the Buying Experience 10:17 Finding the Perfect Home 11:26 The Offer and Payment Process 12:00 Navigating Payment Challenges 17:32 Advice for Future Buyers 18:40 Exploring the New Neighborhood 19:28 Heading to Puroland