7 most common mistakes made by expats in the Netherlands!

Watch out for all mistakes other people already have made!

Find out all mistakes expats already have made in the Netherlands

If you want to work abroad there are many things that you will need to take into account. Many rules and many obligations ensure common mistakes by expats. We from JuisteMakelaar try to protect you from these commonly made mistakes. We have made a list of 7 mistakes that are made by expats, so you don’t have to. Or read our article about: 7 things to look for when choosing a real estate agent

Mistake 1. Underestimating the cost of living in The Netherlands

A mistake that is commonly made by expats is underestimating the cost of living in a different country. People tend to base their budget on food and other essentials on their expense at home. These utilities aren’t necessarily cheap in The Netherlands and can vary from the prices you are used to in your home country. Prepare with an ample budget and you might prevent unexpected trouble. Make sure you ask your new colleagues or friends for additional info. 

Mistake 2. Can you afford to live in The Netherlands

The Netherlands isn’t a cheap country to live in, but also not really expensive. The cost of living at it’s own is for instance 4.25% higher than in the United States, but renting is 13% lower. However renting in big cities like Amsterdam can easily vary between € 1.300,- and € 2.000,- a month. Being able to make a realistic vision of the future concerning all the cost will be helpful. Also working with a professional financial adviser can give you adequate insight in your future finances as an expat.

Mistake 3. Not checking if you financial adviser is legit

A big mistake that is made by expats is thinking all the financial advisers are regulated. Unfortunately there are unregulated financial salespeople that will encourage expats that aren’t experienced to make unconsidered investment that will lead to issues with their finances. Luckily you can inform yourself about a financial adviser and see if the adviser is licensed or not. This will be a reliable indicator if you the financial adviser is trustworthy.

Mistake 4. Forgetting to change their tax status 

 A mistake that is common by expats is not changing their tax status in their home country. If you intend to move abroad to work there, you will have to pay taxes there. Not changing your tax status at home will lead to being sought for tax in your home country and your expat country. Informing your local authorities will prevent you from paying double taxes.

Mistake 5. Not setting up a life insurance cover

Life insurance policies usually can be limited to your home country. When you are going to a new country as an expat you should check the policies of your current insurance. The insurances should cover you in your home country and your new country. If these policies aren’t comprehensive you should  

Mistake 6. Neglecting pension contribution

A common mistake made by expats is neglecting their pension contribution. Make sure you maintain these contributions or make an alternative scheme. If you decide to return to your home country and would like to draw a state pension, is maintaining your pension contribution the best choice.

Mistake 7. Not comparing real estate agents

Another big mistake that is made by expats is not comparing local real estate agents. Expats tend to just cooperate with a real estate agent they know from word of mouth or just one of the popular real estate agents. However, not every real estate agent in The Netherlands fits your needs and wishes. By comparing real estate agents you can choose an agent that fits you and therefore is more profitable.

If you want help with finding the best local real estate agent, you can fill in our tool. We have made a tool specially designed to find the best real estate agents that fits your needs. We will select the two best real estate agents, to which you can choose. This is free and without obligation.

If you would like to read more about buying a house in The Netherland, click here.

How does it work?

Checklist

Select your preferences

Click on the red button and select your preferences.

deep-learning

Personalized intake and selection

We will select the number of brokers you want at your preferences.

contact

Real estate agents get in touch

The selected real estate agents will contact you without obligation.

contract

You choose the right agent

Finally, you choose the real estate agent that best suits you!

FAQ

See below our frequently asked questions about the services provided by Juiste Makelaar.

What does Juiste Makelaar do?

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We are a real estate agent comparison service active throughout the Netherlands. Based on your preferences and our unique broker database we match you to the best broker for your situation. Before we put you in contact, we will contact you to complete the matching. This way there are no surprises. Then you will receive the selected brokers by email and they will contact you themselves. Then you choose the best real estate agent for your situation.

How do you compare real estate agents?

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In the application we ask a number of preferences which we combine with the available broker data. After you have filled in this information we always contact you personally so we can complete the whole comparison.

Why is comparing real estate agents necessary?

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In the Netherlands there are more than 9,000 active real estate agents. This makes it difficult to determine which estate agent is best suited for your situation. Which agent uses a good buying or selling strategy and what costs do the different brokers charge. Have you become curious? Compare right away!

Can I compare real estate agents anywhere in the Netherlands?

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Yes, we can help you find a suitable real estate agent throughout the Netherlands. This is partly due to our many partners, so we can help you as best we can anywhere in the Netherlands.

What is a normal fee for a real estate agent in the Netherlands?

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The average sales commission of a real estate agent in the Netherlands is between 1 and 1.25 percent. However, this naturally depends on what you agree with the real estate agent in question. You can think of a bonus agreement or a different set of tasks.

What happens after I complete the equation?

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Immediately after filling out your preferences, you will receive a confirmation. After that we will contact you by phone, unless you prefer to be contacted in another way. When everything is to your satisfaction, the two selected real estate agents will contact you. Finally, you decide with which real estate agent you have the best connection and with whom you want to work.

Can I also get a price list from real estate agents?

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No, because all real estate agents in the Netherlands have a different working method, it is not yet possible to send a standard price list. This is partly due to various aspects, such as that you can agree performance bonuses with estate agents so that the standard commission is lower, or that you carry out a number of tasks yourself. Other reasons for not being able to give a standard price list are: the sales ranks of agent firms, the location of your home, quality of the real estate agent and extra services they  offer.

Is this application through Juiste Makelaar free of charge?

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Yes it is! This application is completely free of charge for you. We are happy to put you in contact with the selected real estate agents free of charge and without any obligation. At the moment you are finally helped with buying or selling your home, we ask a small fee to the broker, which means no costs to you.