What does a real estate agent do?

It is not mandatory in the Netherlands to hire a real estate agent for selling your home. Yet, most people choose a sales real estate agent. It relieves them of stress and a lot of arrangements. Do you want to know exactly what a real estate agent arranges for you when you hire one? In this article, you will read step by step what a real estate agent does for you.

The tasks of a real estate agent per phase

The preparation

Before your home enters the market, several things need to be arranged. The real estate agent informs you about what needs to be done. There are a few things you need to arrange yourself, such as cleaning preparing your home for sale. The real estate agent advises you on small improvements to the house that have a positive impact on the sale. Think of painting window frames and straightening kitchen cabinets.

Together with the real estate agent, you determine the sales strategy and the right asking price. Furthermore, the real estate agent takes the following things off your hands:

• Measuring the house.
• Taking photos (and sometimes a video) of the house.
• Writing a catchy sales text for placement on housing websites, such as Funda.

Funda and viewings

Without a real estate agent, it is not possible to place your home on Funda. This is the largest housing site in the Netherlands, so without a sales real estate agent, you miss out on a huge audience of house seekers. Besides placing your home on Funda, there is much more that a real estate agent does for you during this phase. The real estate agent:

• Shares your home with his/her network.
• Possibly places your house on other relevant housing sites.
• Schedules and accompanies the viewings. It is not customary for you as the seller to be at home at the time of the viewings.
• Informs interested viewers about the bidding process.
• Answers questions from viewers and potential buyers.

Negotiations and purchase contract

When an offer is made, it is always an exciting moment. Do you accept the offer, or do you wait for a better one? What are the negotiation opportunities? Do you choose better terms or a higher sale price? Fortunately, you are not alone. The real estate agent advises you whether or not to accept an offer. With his or her experience and market knowledge, you are able to make an informed decision. The real estate agent does the talking during negotiations and maintains contact with potential buyers.

Have you accepted an offer? Congratulations! The real estate agent will then:

• Draw up the purchase agreement.
• Send the necessary documents to all parties involved (buyers, real estate agent, notary).
• Be present during the transfer at the notary.

Hire a real estate agent? Find the best real estate agent in your area here!

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