Explanation about a sale real estate agent

What does a real estate agent do?

A real estate agent costs quickly a few thousand euros, on average €3,682 to be precise. Despite the significant amount of money, most people still choose to hire a real estate agent. Not only do they know the rules and regulations surrounding the sale of a property, but they also have a network of potential buyers to speed up the sale. Finally, they know the ins and outs of selling like no other: this results in a higher yield and a shorter sale period, compared to an online real estate agent. Read on to discover the benefits of a real estate agent.

Determining the asking price

The first thing you will wonder is what the right asking price for the property is. Several factors come into play here. First, the real estate agent consults the Kadaster to compare historical selling prices of similar properties in the area. Unlike on Funda, the Kadaster doesn't register the asking price, but the actual selling price. The development of the neighborhood also plays a role. Is the district popular, and what does the zoning plan of the area look like? Finally, the condition of the property is crucial. Has major maintenance been carried out recently, or has the property been renovated? 

The real estate agent then discusses your selling wishes and considers them. Is your goal to sell your house quickly, or do you have time and aim for a higher yield? The asking price is always determined in consultation with the seller. It is not fixed: if it turns out that the initial asking price is too high and there are too few bids, it can be decided to lower the asking price. The real estate agent advises an ideal asking price based on your sales goals, but as the seller, you have the final say.

Finding buyers

A well-presented property with beautiful photos quickly attracts more potential buyers. The real estate agent ensures that your property is as attractive as possible on Funda. Photos are taken, possibly with rented furniture, the energy label is drawn up, a floor plan is made, and the description is written by the real estate agent. In other words: the real estate agent makes the house ready for sale. In advance, a real estate agent indicates which services he or she can offer.

Tip: take photos of the property on a sunny day

Then it's time to find potential buyers. The real estate agent is an expert in reaching interested parties. Of course, the property is placed on Funda, which only a real estate agent can do. In addition, a real estate agent has their own channels. From social media to their own database of seeking buyers from their environment. Thus, they bring the property to the attention of their network of active seekers. 

Contact with interested parties

The real estate agent also handles the viewings and negotiations with buyers and purchasing agents. This is where good real estate agents distinguish themselves from poor ones. It is, after all, the task of the selling real estate agent to promote your property as best as possible and to excite buyers with a convincing story. The real estate agent accepts a bid but also assesses whether the bidder is genuinely interested. Serious bids are then presented to you, after which you decide whether to accept them or wait for a higher offer. 

Paperwork and regulations

A real estate agent knows the rules and formalities concerning property sales like no other and takes care of these for you. They also ensure that your interests as a seller are protected, by ensuring, for example, that the purchase contract cannot be dissolved by the buyer just like that. By outsourcing this to a real estate agent, you save yourself a lot of headaches.

Antoine Steenkamer

Publication date: 14 March 2025