What should I pay attention to when choosing a broker?
A real estate agent who is active daily in the area can help you best. He or she knows the local market best and will give the most accurate and honest advice. It is also important whether they have insight into recent transactions of comparable homes. An NVM broker has by far the largest database of references. The quality of the broker, such as knowledge and experience can be decisive. NVM brokers are the best trained brokers, as there is a training obligation. Due to the required intensive training, an NVM broker always has the necessary experience before being allowed to assist customers with a purchase or sale. This therefore offers extra security / guarantee that you will be well advised and helped.
Some tips to keep in mind:
- What other forms of marketing does the estate agent use besides Funda?
- Does the estate agent use social media and how? And how active is he/she in this?
- Does the estate agent use a sales stylist? And if so, are there additional costs involved?
- To what extent does the estate agent give you tips and advice during the first appointment to promote sales? Does he/she genuinely think along with you?
- Does the estate agent use the most extensive Funda presentation package? (better for findability on Funda)
- Does the estate agent provide an attractive home video, 3D photos and digital floor plans? And if so, does he charge extra for this?
- What is the quality of the home photos and the way in which the homes are presented?
- What fees does the broker charge for his services? These are often one-off start-up costs and a brokerage fee upon sale. Please note whether these costs include or exclude VAT. Many brokers have a hand in charging rates exclusive of VAT, while this is actually not even allowed for consumer services.
- How well can the estate agent be reached by telephone and e-mail? Tip: don't just look at the opening times, but also test it yourself. In your decision phase, send the broker an email or call him and see how long it takes before he/she responds.
- How are the viewings of the home fed back to you? Of course you want to know as soon as possible how a viewing went and what feeling the estate agent has about it…
- How is your home presented in a housing brochure?
- Does the broker charge withdrawal costs if you decide to take your home out of the sale with the relevant broker for whatever reason?
- How many properties does the real estate agent have for sale and how many real estate agents work at the real estate agency? This can give you a good idea of the amount of time, attention and energy the real estate agent can put into you and your home.
- How many homes does the estate agent currently have for sale and how many has he sold in the past 12 months?
- When making your decision, also look at the experiences of other customers. These often give a good picture of reality. More and more brokers also show their customer experiences on Funda
