How to Choose the Right Seller’s Agent: Making a Smart and Balanced Decision

Selling your home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make. Choosing the right makelaar (real estate agent) to guide you through the process can make all the difference in achieving the best outcome.

But deciding which makelaar will do the best job for you can be tricky. Who will seal the best deal? And who do you trust to let into your home?

Sellers typically base their choice on three key factors: experience, feeling, and cost. Let’s dive into how to evaluate these aspects to make a confident and informed decision.

Access the Power of Experience

When choosing a makelaar, experience is invaluable. A seasoned makelaar brings not only industry knowledge but also insights into your specific neighborhood and buyer demographic.

Here are some tips to assess experience:

• Check their track record: How many homes have they sold recently, particularly in your area?
• Evaluate their preparation: In the first conversation, notice whether the makelaar has done their homework on your property. Have they highlighted its key selling points or offered tailored advice?
• Ask about the target buyer: Can the makelaar identify who your property will appeal to and articulate why?

For example, if your home is perfect for a young family, your makelaar should be able to explain how they’ll market it to that demographic. The better they understand your property and potential buyers, the more effectively they can position your home in the market.

Trust Your Gut: Feeling

While hard data and credentials are critical, the personal connection you feel with a makelaar is equally important. You’ll be working closely with them, so a good rapport is essential.

Here’s how to gauge whether the makelaar is the right fit:

• First impressions: Was the initial conversation comfortable and productive? If it felt awkward or rushed, that could signal future challenges in collaboration.
• Buyer appeal: If you feel at ease with the makelaar, buyers likely will too. This can be a crucial factor in creating trust and securing a great deal.
• Target audience connection: Does the makelaar understand and relate to your target audience? For example:
  • Can a 22-year-old makelaar effectively sell a retirement home?
  • Can a non-English-speaking makelaar handle an area popular with expats?

The answers to these questions will help you decide whether the makelaar is truly in tune with your property and its potential buyers.

Weigh the Costs

The cost of working with a makelaar typically includes start-up fees and a commission (courtage):

Start-Up Costs

These are initial expenses for marketing materials like professional photos, videos, floor plans, and Funda.nl listings. They usually range from €600 to €1,000.

Commission (Courtage)

Commission is a percentage of the final sale price and typically falls between 1.2% and 1.6%. Some makelaars may offer lower rates, like 0.8%, but this raises an important question:

Why is the commission so low?

• Is it a genuine discount or a sign that the makelaar struggles to attract clients?
• If they can’t negotiate a fair fee for themselves, will they negotiate effectively for you?

A good makelaar’s commission aligns their interests with yours—they’re motivated to achieve the highest possible sale price.

No Cure, No Pay

Most makelaars operate on a “no cure, no pay” basis, meaning you only pay if your home sells. However, if the collaboration ends without a sale, you might incur a small fee (up to €250) to cover expenses.

Bonus Tip: Signing the ‘Assignment of Service’

Once you’ve chosen a makelaar, you’ll sign an “Assignment of Service” agreement. This document outlines the terms of your collaboration, including:

• The commission percentage
• Any additional fees
• The duration of the agreement

Read this document carefully and ensure everything is transparent before signing.

Why Choose The Xpat Agent?

At The Xpat Agent, we combine expertise, trust, and value to make selling your home a seamless experience. Here’s what sets us apart:

Transparent Costs: No hidden fees—just clear and fair pricing.

Deep Local Knowledge: We understand the Dutch market and are particularly experienced in Eindhoven, a hub for the Brainport region of Brabant.

Expat Expertise: We understand the unique challenges expats face and offer clear, straightforward guidance in English.

Personalized Service: We tailor our approach to your property and target buyers.

Take the First Step Today

Choosing a makelaar doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right balance of experience, trust, and cost, you’ll find a partner who can help you achieve your goals.

Want to see if The Xpat Agent is the right fit for you? Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation. Let’s get started on selling your home—with confidence!

Rather watch a video summary of this article? Our makelaar Lambert Vermeulen will walk you through choosing your seller’s agent or makelaar based on price.