The consultancy of Steve and Freya was very valuable. They gave us an extensive and clear report of the property. They were quite critical, and they took their time to explain everything to us and give us advice about the next steps. It really helped us in our decision process.
– Judith & Jair Nov 2024
“In addition to being all around generous, friendly and interesting people, Steven and Freya’s help and experience in Portugal has proven to be invaluable to us as US and UK expats. We fell in love with the way of life in northern Portugal but have little experience navigating the social nuances and pace of business. We’ve found the people of Portugal to be very friendly, accommodating, and eager to try to communicate in English, but there are times when speaking Portuguese is necessary. With the combination of fluency in Portuguese, the experience of successfully buying and running a property, integrating into Portuguese way of life, and doing so in a manner that respects the native people and respects the environment, Steven and Freya were exactly who we needed to consult and guide us through the process.
We found them through their Moinhos do Dao ~ Eco Quinta website. When we were set to close on our own property near Ponte de Lima, Freya consulted with our solicitor, who was unable to attend. On the day of the closing she sat in with us, thoroughly interpreted the deed, and made sure we understood every section before we signed. Although the transaction was in good faith and the agent and solicitor spoke a bit of English, it was fantastic to have someone we trusted implicitly, who had no possible ulterior motive. Her presence put us at ease and the closing was flawless!
Also on the day of the closing, Steven walked through the new property with us and discussed our plans for renovation. He is extremely knowledgeable about construction and has an insight into how local contractors tend to do business. He helped us to prioritize projects, added suggestions that might facilitate our overall vision, managed our expectations, and in the end, gave us a bullet point email with everything we discussed on site.
Since that day, we remain in contact with them and they continue to provide translation and consultation services. They have helped us to make contact with local contractors, and vetted their willingness to deal with us English speaking clients. Steven even helped me navigate setting up utilities with the local company (which initially had me pulling out my hair!).
We continue to stay in touch as needed. They have been a huge help, inspiration, and a bit of a mentor to us.
We really couldn’t imagine completing our sale or navigating the roads ahead without their help and guidance.
We highly recommended their services. You will be lucky to have their support, we feel hugely grateful.”
– Wes & Cleandra Waldron – London, Kerhonkson NY, & Idyllwild CA, September 2023
“When we started our search for a new home for our Animal Sanctuary, we first did a lot of online research about Portugal and looked through many potential properties for sale. Because of our personal circumstances, we couldn’t travel easily back and forth between the Netherlands and Portugal all the time so we knew we needed help. At first, I thought that a Portuguese person could help us best, thinking they must know a lot more about their home country and all the regulations. But, after consulting one that didn’t go so well, and as well with another (not Portuguese) contact later, I knew we had to find someone else. That’s when we found Freya and Steven.
We had contact by email and phone. Our main request was that they could visit the properties that we found interesting and give us a detailed report with lots of pictures and videos. Although it was 2 hours from their place, Freya and Steven visited the property for us. Afterward, they wrote a clear evaluation report and provided lots of pictures and videos which gave us a beautiful view of the whole property. Because of this, we knew this could be THE property for us so we decided that my husband would travel to Portugal to visit the property in person. And we both fell in love!
After the assessment Freya also brought us in contact with a good Portuguese solicitadora and an accountant, which were both essential in the whole process as well. When we knew the date for signing the final deed, I asked Freya if she could be present in person as a translator. It was very helpful to have her there at such a special and important moment and it also gave a beautiful feeling of support. Freya communicates with the Portuguese people in a very friendly and calm way.
Altogether, the experience with Freya and Steven was truly wonderful. They have a lot of knowledge about Portugal, the regulations, and all the other necessary things we need to know as well. Of course, we still need to learn a lot, so it’s nice to know that we can always ask them for help. We couldn’t have found a better people for the so we highly recommend them!”
– Irene R., August 2023
“I was delighted with the job you did for us. I feel you carried out the translations with extreme professionalism…If in the future we hear of anyone that is in need of a translator, I and my wife Lynn wouldn’t hesitate to put your name forward given the wonderful experience of watching you handle the task for us.
Because of your translation we are now happy to move forward towards moving into our new home.
Many thanks for your service.”
– Richard & Lynn, February 2023
“When we got the information about properties in this region from Freya and Steven we could apply this immediately.It helped us a lot in our search for the perfect property. Especially the licence needed and the Portuguese way of doing things.”
– Janneke and Frank. January 2022. www.starbase18.com
“Freya and Steven helped us assess a property we fell in love with in the area of Tondela. We’ve asked Freya and Steven’s to help decide on the purchase of the plot. They took all the time to walk the property with us, talk to the neighbours and the owner’s agent and have finally delivered a report consisting of a comprehensive evaluation of the plot. The report has helped us to see the property as it is, it’s values, but also the challenges and risks associated with it. Based on that report, we’ve decided to keep looking. I’m very grateful for their input. It helped us look at the property in a sober, down to earth perspective, rather than being swept away after a dream. They have eye for detail, good knowledge of local regulations, take their work seriously and are friendly, calm and honest people.”
– Amir Grosman. November 2021
Interested in working with us? Please contact us by:
Email: info @ gratidaoconsulting.com
Whats App or Telephone: + 351 933 956 630 (Freya)