7 things to look for when choosing a real estate agent

What factors should you take into account when choosing a real estate agent

How to find a good real estate agent in the Netherlands?

Finding a good real estate agent can be a burden. First of all, there are so many real estate agents in a small country as the Netherlands. Next to that in each city there are many as well. Besides the number of agents, the quality may vary as well. To help you with the search we’ve gathered the most important things where you should look for when comparing these agents.

1. Determine what your budget is for an agent

When you are looking for a real estate agent it is useful to determine what your budget is. This can be important because cooperating with a real estate agent entails costs. So by having a plan and having a determined budget will help you with the search for a real estate agent. Real estate agents in the Netherlands have different ways of calculating their costs. It is common that when selling a house the agent asks for a percentage of the selling price. When the real estate agent helps you finding your dream house, then it is more common that it is a fixed fee. But if you feel like that you want another option, it is always possible to discuss with the agent!

2. Good relationship with the agent

Finding a house is a big task, of course with lots of emotions involved. Therefore it is important to find a real estate agent that you feel good about. If you have a good connection with a real estate agent it’s a good sign, because you should trust the agent. It sometimes happens that you’ve found a real estate agent in the Netherlands who is cheap, but you don’t feel that there is a good relationship. We advise that you really should reconsider your choice. Most of the times this goes wrong after a certain time when you’re not able to find a house. To find a good real estate agent in the Netherlands, you just can call them and plan a meeting. If you’re not sure how to find the right agent, fill in your details in the Juiste Makelaar tool!

3. Reviews and results of the real estate agents

An easy way to know the quality of a real estate agent is by checking online reviews and checking the results they have achieved. You can check their website what kind of houses they have for sale. If the real estate agent gives you a good feeling, but you are reading negative reviews it is probably not the best choice. However, you can also ask the agent why the ratings are very negative. Some rating systems in the Netherlands are only on invitation. So the chance that the ratings are very high is quite high.

4. Selling time of the agent

Another factor you need to take into account is the sales time of the real estate agent you are interested in. For instance, when you want to move abroad within a half year, you want a real estate agent that has a short turnaround time. Otherwise it can occur that the search and buying process will take longer than you had envisioned.

5. Local knowledge of the real estate agent

Choosing for a local real estate agent in the Netherlands can be a good move. Local agents have good knowledge of the housing market in their neighbourhood and where they are active. These local agents are aware of the dynamics in neighbourhoods and know what houses are going to be for sale before the market knows!

6. Does the real estate agent adjust your schedule

Try to find out what the availability of the agent is. Are they are willing to search for you? Are they joining for viewings? Also it is something to consider if you want a healthy amount of communication. Nowadays, real estate agents in the Netherlands are very busy. This makes it hard that they join with every viewing. Once you’re sure about a house they will start the entire process. Then they want to check the house again, to let you know what the status of the house is.

7. Compare agents in the Netherlands

Lastly, when you’re unfamiliar with real estate agents it is very wise to compare the agent before starting to work with one or the other. With the free service from Juiste Makelaar, you will get in touch with 2 of the best agents in your area. The agents will be selected on variables, like the agents’ performance, their service, the region where they are active and previous customers. These agents will contact you once you completed the journey on the website, and you can have a non obliged appointment with them. Start completing the tool right away!

Alongside we have made a list on what not to do when you are an expat. If you are interested you can click here.