If you're planning to buy property in the Netherlands, selecting the right real estate agent is crucial. This guide will help you navigate the process.

Step 1: Create a Long List of Potential Agents

Start by compiling a comprehensive list of real estate agents:

  1. Street Observation: Look for 'For Sale' signs in your desired area.
  2. Online Search: Use Google, but be aware that top results may be paid advertisements.
  3. Personal Recommendations: Ask friends, family, or colleagues for suggestions.
  4. Funda.nl: Check this popular Dutch housing website for active agents in your target city.
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Funda favors NVM agents due to ownership ties, so use it as a starting point rather than for final selection.

Step 2: Create a Shortlist

Filter your long list based on these criteria:

  1. Local Independent Firms vs. Franchises:
    • Prefer small local firms, as they often have better market knowledge.
    • In the Netherlands, franchises are generally less reliable for real estate.
  2. Professional Associations:
    Look for membership in one of these associations (listed in order of perceived quality):These memberships indicate ongoing education and quality checks.
    • NVM (Nederlandse Vereniging van Makelaars)
    • VBO (VBO Makelaar)
    • VastgoedPRO
  3. Additional Certifications:
    While some agents may have extra certifications, focus primarily on association memberships and other key characteristics.

Step 3: Evaluate and Invite Agents

  1. Invitations:
    • Typically, invite 2-4 agents to assess your wished property or discuss your buying needs.
  2. What to Expect:
    • For sellers: Agents will tour your property, assess its value, and discuss their strategy.
    • For buyers: Agents will discuss your requirements and their approach to finding suitable properties.
  3. Fees:
    • Dutch real estate agent fees are relatively low, averaging 1.3% of the property's selling price.
    • This translates to approximately €4,000 (including VAT) for an average property.
  4. Pricing Strategies (for sellers):
    • Agents may suggest different asking prices based on their sales strategy.
    • They might recommend a higher price for negotiation room or a lower price to attract multiple offers.

Step 4: Make Your Final Choice

In the Netherlands, it's standard to work with one agent exclusively. Choose based on:

  1. Their proposal and marketing strategy
  2. Estimated selling price (for sellers) or understanding of your buying needs
  3. Your comfort level and trust in the agent

Remember, local expertise and a strong track record in your target area are crucial factors in your decision.

Most of the buyers in the Netherlands use help of real estate agencies, you can check what they're saying in our Personal XP section.