Corine van der Hout

Born and raised in a family of entrepreneurs in the northern Netherlands, I grew up with a love of the outdoors and an interest in business. While studying economics at a university of applied sciences, I joined my father at property auctions. This sparked my interest in real estate, and I began evening classes to become an agent.

My career started at a real estate agency in Zwolle. I earned my diploma, passed the practical exam and was sworn in as an agent by the court. I then completed the NVM programme and became an NVM-registered agent.

After four years, I opened an office in Groningen under the parent agency’s name. Four years later, my husband and I moved to Bonaire, where we had bought a small agency. On 1 January 2001, we became the owners of Sunbelt Realty.

We started with just the two of us and no detailed plan. The market was small but provided enough to make a living and enjoy peaceful Bonaire. Two years later, KLM introduced a daily flight, soon followed by a second on its South America route. This marked a turning point. The island became busier, and our business grew. Alongside sales, purchases and appraisals, we added long-term rentals, vacation rentals and property management. Our team grew too.

In 2018, we opened our newly built office at Kaya Grandi 41. Jan Henk has since retired, and Arjan has become my business partner.

Outside real estate, I am involved in community organisations, including Rotary Club Bonaire, through which we support local projects. Sunbelt Realty also contributes through donations and sponsorships. We are particularly proud of football club Real Rincon, which we have sponsored since 2010.

Over the past 25 years, Bonaire has become our home. The friendships we have built here mean a great deal to us. Together with the tranquillity, beautiful sea and wonderful climate, they make Bonaire our favourite place to live.