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NARRATOR: Mikal has a beautiful family
and a career on the rise.
I'm a helicopter pilot, and I really enjoy it.
NARRATOR: But there's a catch.
We live in Jacksonville, Florida,
and he commutes to Texas.
He works two weeks, and then he's home two weeks.
This is obviously putting
a little bit of strain on the family.
So, we knew we had to move.
NARRATOR: Will moving closer to his roots in Norway
bring his family closer together?
What is this thing?
KIM: [ Chuckles ]
That's very traditional.
Okay.
Or will the details trip them up?
These are a little scary. [ Chuckles ]
Yeah, there's no railing here.
MIKAL: I was picturing, maybe, a newer house.
Oh, you can smell the new wood.
KIM: Yeah. Everything is new.
And there's no upkeep to deal with.
I like it.
Guys, let's go inside.
Okay.
All right.
NARRATOR: Find out when "House Hunters International"
lifts off for Aurland, Norway.
A little house here would be like coming home, huh?
MIKAL: It would. It would.
[ Doorbell rings ]
-- Captions by VITAC --
Closed Captions provided by Scripps Networks, LLC.
MAN: What would you like for your last breakfast?
Oh, I think I want grits.
Oh. Well, we have pancakes.
I don't think we can have grits in Norway.
No grits in Norway?
My husband, Mikal, had to start his job,
and Isabella had to start school.
So they had to leave before me.
I got to call him right now.
Okay.
I'm gonna sit outside.
AMY: When my husband started working as a helicopter pilot,
our daughter was only five months old.
She is now five years old.
Hi, Mommy.
Hi, baby! How are you?
Good.
Mikal is so excited to show Isabella his culture.
Tell Mommy about the snow outside.
Yeah.
Aurland, which is the town that he's from,
is a very small town of only about 1,000 people.
I'm used to living in a large city, so I'm a little nervous.
[ Chuckles ]
I'm gonna miss you so much, honey.
I hate this.
I know.
It's sad to leave my parents.
[ Laughing ] Oh, God.
But the most important thing is our family unit of three.
I can't wait to see you.
I miss you!
I miss you, too, baby.
I'll be there soon!
Okay. Love you!
I love you, too. Bye.
Whether we want to live in a small town
or live in a larger city with bigger-city opportunities,
the most important thing is to have our family together.
[ Doorbell rings ]
NARRATOR: Norway is the country that put fjords on the map.
But its dramatic scenery isn't just for show.
The stunning backdrops that draw tourists from around the world
are also rich in fossil fuels, lumber, and clean water.
But even with prosperous cities like Bergen
situated two hours from Mikal's hometown,
Norway is still the second-least-populated nation in Europe,
and fewer homes mean fewer options
for a family on the move.
AMY: We're looking to rent.
Kim: Okay.
Either in Aurland, which might be a challenge --
Or Bergen.
We are considering Bergen, coming from the city girl.
Yeah?
I work in Bergen, so the consideration is,
of course, to live close to my job.
Aurland is where we have our family.
Okay. And what are you looking for?
I would like at least three bedrooms
and two bathrooms, preferably.
I know that's not always a choice, but --
And just some modern appliances --
a washing machine.
A dryer would be very nice.
She's from Florida and not used to driving in snow.
So it needs to be in walking distance
of grocery store and public transportation.
Okay.
Yeah.
It's a tiny, little list for you to work on.
[ Both chuckle ]
Well, it's a great list.
What type of budget do you have?
Somewhere in the neighborhood of $1,700.
Okay.
I know that might be a stretch in the city.
Yeah, we might have to compromise a bit.
Right.
Yeah.
Okay.
Okay.
KIM: Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway,
so it's fairly easy to find something there,
but the prices are very high.
Aurland is different,
and at the moment, there are zero properties.
So, here, you really have to know someone,
and you have to make a couple of telephone calls
to find something.
NARRATOR: Knowing that family life
is at the heart of his client's M.O.,
Kim works his connections to find the only open house
in Mikal's hometown of Aurland.
But with literally no other options,
beggars can't be choosers.
This is the first house we're going to look at,
situated in the center of Aurland.
Okay.
It's close to the shops.
They're just around the corner.
And it's priced at $850 a month.
Oh, my gosh. Okay.
Wow.
Yeah, it's a great price.
That gives us some room. [ Chuckles ]
And it furnished.
It's fully furnished.
Wow. Okay.
Okay.
Let's go inside and have a look.
Okay.
So, on the left-hand side here, we've got the bathroom.
Okay.
The only bathroom, I take it.
The only bathroom, yes.
Only bathroom. Okay.
MIKAL: Okay.
And downstairs here,
we've got a laundry room with a washing machine.
Okay. Is there a dryer?
Unfortunately not.
No dryer. Okay.
And then we just walk through to the living room.
Wow. Look at that.
Oh, wow.
KIM: Yeah, that's a great view, huh?
That is a view.
Yes.
Here you have the view of the fjord.
You can see the cruise ships in the summertime,
so it's a fantastic view.
Wow.
Yeah.
And then you have a dining room.
Okay.
And on your left-hand side there, you've got the kitchen.
Okay.
MIKAL: It's a little bit older than I had hoped for.
I was picturing, maybe, a newer house.
AMY: These are a little scary. [ Chuckles ]
Yeah, there's no railing here,
but that's how they built it in the '50s.
Okay.
AMY: It does have three bedrooms,
and two of them are quite large.
And, of course...
Look at the view.
That is something to wake up to in the morning.
[ Chuckles ]
Nice.
Nice.
I don't think the old, quirky charm of the house
is as impressive to him as it is to me.
He sees the maintenance,
while I see the charm of an older home.
And outside here, you have the beautiful terrace.
[ Sighs ]
And with the great view.
Wow.
Wow.
Yeah, we said water.
Yes. Absolutely.
Definitely.
It's water-front.
And this yard is really large and flat.
I think this house, for the price that is given,
is wonderful.
It's got a great view.
It's fully furnished.
There's very little we would have to do to it.
MIKAL: For me, it was the size. It's a minus.
And it is an old, traditional house with only one bathroom,
I guess, is the big thing.
I think, as far as a view,
it's going to be hard to top this.
But I'm looking forward to seeing some of the other homes.
This is spectacular.
It's a great space.
Yeah.
NARRATOR: Modern or antique,
that was the only house in Aurland,
so they hit the road.
On our way into Flam here now.
I'm kind of excited to see what kind of house
they're gonna show us there.
AMY: A little house here would be like coming home, huh?
MIKAL: It would. It would.
NARRATOR: Mikal and Amy
have brought their young daughter from Florida
to his native Norway to make family their new focus.
Down on the left-hand side
would be the school Isabella would be going to.
Okay.
One of my primary concerns as a mother
is my daughter's integration into a new culture.
[ Speaking Norwegian ]
[ Counting in Norwegian ]
She has talked a lot about making new friends.
ISABELLA: I played the game that you bought me today.
You did?
I really like it.
AMY: She understands Norwegian,
but we can't seem to get her to speak any of it.
I know what to do.
Oh, okay.
But you have to read it.
Luckily, most of them do speak English.
They learn it young.
[ Haltingly speaking Norwegian ]
There's going to be some challenges facing her.
But I think she's ready.
Yeah.
Perfect.
KIM: Yes, guys.
And this is situated in the center of Aurland.
NARRATOR: House 1 was the only available house
in Mikal's tiny hometown.
It's priced at $850 a month.
Oh, my gosh. Okay.
That gives us some room.
Yeah.
NARRATOR: But it was city-girl Amy who was swept away,
not hometown boy Mikal.
It's a little bit older than I had hoped for.
I was picturing, maybe, a newer house.
So Kim moves one town over, to the village of Flaam,
where there are more choices and a little more shine.
So, this is the house.
Okay.
Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a beautiful view.
And the price here is $1,500 per month.
Okay.
Okay.
So that's very good.
Yeah, yeah.
Let's go inside and have a look.
Okay.
Please.
Okay.
[ Gasps ]
And this is the living space.
MIKAL: Nice.
This has a view. [ Chuckles ]
The whole wall is windows.
Wow.
I see a steep cliff at the edge of this yard.
Is there actually a fence there, or is it just the hedges?
Yes, there's a fence in the hedges there, so...
Okay.
That looks like it could be a little scary.
Yeah, it could be a little scary.
[ Laughter ]
And then over here, you have a view all the way to Aurland.
MIKAL: Yeah, that's Aurland we see all the way out there.
Yeah, all the way out there.
We can wave to the family.
Yeah, you can.
[ Chuckles ]
And you see, just out, down the window here,
there you can see Flaam.
Okay.
And you can just walk Isabella down to the station,
and the school bus take her to the school...
Okay.
...a bit further up the valley.
So, down there where those houses are. Okay.
Oh, this is nice.
MIKAL: Oh, this looks like it's renovated.
Yes, it is.
AMY: The kitchen is nice and spacious,
with a full eat-in kitchen.
And we both like the fact that there is a powder room.
Look at that little, tiny sink.
That's Isabella-size. [ Chuckles ]
What is this thing? [ Chuckles ]
KIM: That's an oven.
It's very traditional here in Norway.
They have it in houses built around the '50s.
Okay.
So, this is a heater?
It's a heater, yeah.
But also, in every room,
you can see there are electrical heaters, as well.
Oh, yes.
MIKAL: Oh, yeah.
Okay.
The bedrooms are maybe a little small.
But there is a lot of storage space.
There are closets, and also, there's a storage space
that's out in the attic kind of thing.
Oh, wow. It goes all the way back.
KIM: It goes all the way back. [ Chuckles ]
Play hide and seek.
Make a little playhouse for Isabella out of one of those.
And this -- you know, the flooring is original.
Everything is all from the '50s.
This is great.
Mikal still thinks this house is very old.
I don't think it has
the impression of being an old house.
Oh, there's a bathtub.
There is a bathtub.
That would make one happy little girl.
AMY: I think it has the impression
of being a little more updated home.
But he's still looking for
a house built in, I guess, our generation.
[ Chuckles ]
KIM: Yeah, so, what do you think about the house?
I like the house itself. I think it's great.
It's nice and fresh and updated
and has just spectacular views.
It is on a little bit of a steep hill --
a little bit of a concern when the snow arrives.
Yes.
Hauling groceries up that hill
might be a little bit difficult.
And then, of course,
it's about a 15-minute drive to your mother's house.
Yeah, yeah.
So family wouldn't be that close.
Yeah.
But it's a very nice house.
Well, great. Great.
Okay.
Okay.
NARRATOR: If it's updates they want,
Bergen feels brand-new.
This is the house.
Okay.
It kind of looks like a work in progress.
It's a work in progress, yes.
Guys, let's go inside.
Okay.
All right.
AMY: It's like a train.
It's gonna take us up the mountain.
NARRATOR: A move back to the slower pace of Mikal's native Norway
means room for some much-anticipated family time.
MIKAL: You know, the last time I did this,
I was probably about your size.
Papa was never your size, was he?
[ Laughs ]
I am looking forward to having my husband home more often,
and I think it'll be great for our daughter.
Right up front?
Can I sit next to you?
Wouldn't be Norway without a tunnel.
[ Chuckles ]
Moving to Norway, although exciting,
will probably have a few challenges.
It's pretty steep, isn't it?
[ Chuckles ]
AMY: Is there a dryer?
Unfortunately not.
No dryer. Okay.
It's a little bit older than I had hoped for.
I was picturing, maybe, a newer house.
AMY: It's a very nice house,
but hauling groceries up that hill
might be a little bit difficult.
And then, of course,
it's about a 15-minute drive to your mother's house.
Yeah.
We can wave to the family.
Yeah, you can.
[ Chuckles ]
AMY: Mikal really does want
Isabella to spend time with his family.
But Bergen will have much more housing options for us.
Wow. Look at the view.
Wow.
Bergen is about 2 1/2 hours from his hometown,
but is where he works.
He would have no commute.
But it'll come at a much steeper price.
So, guys, this is the house.
Okay.
It kind of looks like a work in progress.
It's a work in progress, yes.
You can see the machines and everything around here.
But they are going to fix everything before you move in.
Okay.
And the price here is $2,000 per month.
Oh, wow.
Okay.
Is that furnished or unfurnished?
That's unfurnished.
Wow. High-end.
Yeah, it's high-end.
That's fun but expensive.
Okay. Guys, let's go inside.
Okay.
All right.
The price seemed pretty elevated
for an unfinished home that looks very, very small.
KIM: Okay, guys.
Inside here, we don't have any electricity today
because of the work they're doing outside.
Okay.
Yeah.
And here you have a bathroom.
Oh, nice.
It's a big bathroom.
And that's laundry hookup, I assume, in the corner?
Yes, and so they would come with
a dryer and a washing machine.
A dryer?
Yes, a dryer.
Very nice of them.
We're in an urban area now,
so you have to dry your clothes inside.
[ Chuckles ]
Yeah.
And here we have the living space
and, of course, with great view.
Wow. Look at that view.
This is neat!
Look at that view.
I noticed that walking in, that there's water on all sides.
KIM: Yeah.
That's very nice.
AMY: I think Mikal loves the newness of this house.
I think he's almost forgotten
it's nowhere near his family or his friends or where he grew up.
But it is beautiful.
Look at this.
I like old and quaint, but not in my kitchen,
so this is actually nice.
MIKAL: This is a great kitchen, and everything's new.
Yeah.
So, everything is going to be done when you move in.
Okay.
Nice.
Oh, you can smell the new wood.
KIM: Yeah, yeah. Everything is new.
Yeah.
And there's no upkeep or maintenance to deal with.
I like it.
Yeah.
These are the bedrooms.
You have one half-bedroom here...
Okay.
KIM: ...and then one on the side there,
and one just behind me.
That's a nice-sized room.
I mean, you could get a nice, big bed in there.
Yeah.
And this one, as well. It's about the same size.
And also, here, you have a great view towards the North Sea.
Okay.
So, what do you guys think?
What do you think?
I like it. I like it a lot.
You know, I was kind of hoping
for something a little bit newer, and this is brand-new,
and everything is very nice and neat and clean.
And so I like it a lot.
It is beautiful.
I think the price here, without it being furnished,
might end up being a little bit of a stretch.
But it's definitely worth considering.
I mean, if downtown Bergen's 25 minutes,
the airport's probably even closer.
It would be nice.
You could come home for dinner when you have nothing to do.
That's true.
Well, that's great to hear.
So, let's go down again.
Okay.
So, what do you think of this view?
This isn't bad.
NARRATOR: It's time to look beyond the scenery.
I think it's a decision between
a house with a neighborhood we're not quite sure of
and then a neighborhood
with a house that we're not quite sure of.
So, this is the city of Bergen.
It's so colorful.
NARRATOR: City or country, Norway is long on views.
But with only $1,700 to spend,
seeing the best option for their family
will require a hard look.
At $850, house 1 was spectacularly priced,
perfectly located, and had a view to match.
Yeah, we said water.
Yes. Absolutely.
But the cramped interiors didn't inspire.
It's a little bit older than I had hoped for.
Priced at an affordable $1,500,
house 2's space and charm could put it above the rest.
It is on a little bit of a steep hill --
a little bit of a concern when the snow arrives.
AMY: Yes.
And then, it's about a 15-minute drive to your mother's house.
Yeah.
House 3, just outside the city of Bergen,
is brand-new and offers Mikal a short commute.
It would be nice. You could come home for dinner.
That's true.
But its $2,000 price tag could sink the ship.
That's fun but expensive.
[ Chuckles ]
So, what do you think?
Well, I don't know.
I mean, I think since we're in Bergen,
we'll start with the Bergen house, the island house.
Okay.
You know, that's a neat house.
Yeah. I mean, it has ocean views all the way around,
and it is brand-new.
I like that about it.
But my one concern is that
it's not really walkable to school and to grocery stores.
And it is at the very, very top end of our budget,
and it doesn't have furniture.
I really, really like the new house,
but I'm just thinking, being practical about it,
we need to nix that one.
I think so, too.
I think we need to let that one go.
Okay. Let's do that.
And then there's the house with the view in Flaam.
Yeah.
That was something else. That's a lot of house.
It has more space than I ever thought we'd get.
It has pretty much two bathrooms.
Yeah.
And it's kind of quaint.
It has a little bit of that old charm.
It does sit up on that hill,
and she would have to get on a school bus to get to school.
And so during the winter, that's gonna be a challenge,
both walking and driving.
That's true.
And then there's the townhouse in Aurland.
Yes.
That is the smallest of the houses,
but it's also way under our budget,
which would give us more leeway with other things.
That's true.
That definitely has a view.
Yeah.
And it is within walking distance of the school,
the grocery store, and your mother.
Yeah.
But it's a small house and an old house,
and there is definitely only one bathroom in that house.
Okay, so, what do you think?
Well, I think it's a decision between
a house with a neighborhood we're not quite sure of
and then a neighborhood
with a house that we're not quite sure of, so...
But I think I know what I want. Do you?
I believe I do know what I want.
I think I know what you want, too.
[ Both laugh ]
I think we're gonna pick the house in --
...in town.
In Aurland.
Yes.
Gonna go home.
We're gonna go home.
All right.
With access to Mikal's family
and a lot of pocket change to spare,
house 1 is a picture-perfect place
to start their new life in Aurland.
The pub is right there.
And then on Sunday,
when you want to go and ask for forgiveness,
the church is right here.
That is true.
That is such a pretty church.
It's about 1,000 years old.
That's unbelievable.
I think I'm adjusting pretty well to the small town.
I actually really like not spending all day in the car.
You go into the grocery store,
and everybody knows your name, and they say hi.
I have taken on a part-time job, but it's more relaxed.
We have a very stressful environment.
[ Laughs ]
[ Smooches ]
Hi!
How was your day at work?
It was good!
How was school?
Good.
I missed you!
[ Chuckles ]
Isabella has adjusted pretty well.
She seems to feel very at home here.
Papa, watch this!
The small-town atmosphere has made her really come out.
This never opens!
[ Toy clatters ]
[ Laughs ]
Just to see the changes in her openness and comfort level
in this community has definitely made it worth it.
Are you sure you don't want a cracker with some brown cheese?
Oh, honey, I wouldn't want to steal your brown cheese.
[ Laughs ]
When we started looking at houses,
I was kind of hoping for something a little bit newer.
But obviously, I grew up here,
so I knew what we were moving into.
We really wanted him to be home more in our lives.
So, I mean, I think we're happy here.
Our view is spectacular.
I mean, if I ever get a little disgruntled
with only one bathroom,
I just look out the window, and I'm like,
"But it's okay." [ Laughs ]
We'd pay like $3 million for this view in Florida.
When I lived here, I guess I just took it for granted,
whereas now I constantly find myself just looking around like,
"Wow, it is nice."
But here, it comes with the house.
[ Both chuckle ]
It did.
I definitely believe we did the right thing.
It's unbelievable.
I don't think I'll ever get tired of this.
Yeah.