Is hiring a real estate agent a good idea or not?

​Navigating the Dutch real estate market can be a complex endeavor, prompting many to consider hiring a real estate agent. Let’s explore how buying a house with the help of real estate agent actually looks.

1. House search
   Real estate agents possess in-depth knowledge of local neighborhoods, property values, and market trends. This can help find you a house that will meet your needs and expectations, especially if you are new to the neighbourhood.
   
   
2. House bidding
   In today’s market overbidding is still present, despite the fact that there are a lot of affordable properties available. Bidding on the house is not as easy as it seems and it needs a good market research (and a bit of luck) to secure the offer on your dream house. Real Estate agent can help to choose the right amount for the house you would like to buy. Additionally, selling agents often prefer to receive offers from purchase agents rather than directly from buyers. Working with another agent gives them certainity that the buyers are well prepared, understand the process and know their financial possibilities. 
   
   
3. House / apartment documents
   When buying a house, usually there is a list of documents you have to check in order to be fully informed on the house situation and condition. In case of buying an apartment, there are also several documents from VVE that are needed to be checked by you, so you don’t buy an apartment that has any issues. Good to remember – all documents are in Dutch, so if you don’t speak Dutch, it will be hard to understand all of them. Real estate agent will help you check those documents for any suspicious information and will help you understand all of those documents. It’s very important to know what you’re buying before you sign the purchase contract.
   
   
4. Offer accepted - purchase contract
   After your offer is accepted, you will receive a purchase contract to sign. This is the most important document that you will need to sign when buying a house, so it’s good that is properly checked. Real estate agent will help you check the document for if there is anything that needs your attention.
   
   
5. Access to network
   When buying a house you will need to use services of several other professionals, like valuator, notary and technical inspector. While there is plenty available online, you might want to use the ones that are already checked and worth recommending. Real estate agents have extensive networks that might help you choose the right professional.
   
   
6. Any questions during the process
   We know how stressful buying a house can be, we’ve been there too! You might have a lot of questions during the process and rather than searching for the answers on hundreds of websites you can ask your real estate agent and receive trustworthy and updated information.

Are there any cons of hiring a real estate agent?

Well there might be one – and it’s the price. While you have to be prepared for a lot of other buyers costs, real estate agent will be one of them and it can be quite pricey. Real estate agents in the Netherlands are usually asking from 1- 1,5% of the purchase price. For instance, on a €350,000 home, this equates to €3,500 to €5,250. Some of them work on a fixed price, so it’s really up to you which one you will choose.

It’s also good to think about your needs when looking for a house, as not all real estate agents are offering the same range of services. It’s good to check with them before you start working with them, so your expectations are met.

In conclusion, if you already have some experience in buying a house process, you might want to skip the real estate agent services and try on your own. If you are quite new to this topic, then we really recommend using real estate agent services.

If you need help when buying a house in the Netherlands we recommend our company Real Estate Team. We offer 3 packages that can be fully customized for your needs and if you combine the packages with the mortgage from M/V Works, we will prepare a special offer for you. Check out the website for more information!