What does a buyer’s realtor do and how can they help you?

Moving to the Netherlands is an exciting opportunity, but finding the right home can be challenging, especially for expats unfamiliar with the local housing market. This is where an experienced buyer’s agent can help you out!

What does a buyer’s realtor do?

A buyer’s realtor works exclusively for you, the buyer, ensuring that your interests are protected throughout the home-buying process. Unlike selling agents, whose primary responsibility is to get the best deal for the seller, their focus is entirely on helping you find the right home at the right price.

Why work with a buyer’s realtor?

Some expats might wonder whether they really need a dedicated buyer’s agent. After all, you can search for homes online and deal directly with selling agents, right? While that’s technically possible, working with a buyer’s realtor offers several significant advantages:

Exclusive access to listings

Selling agents represent the seller, which means their goal is to get the best deal for the property owner, not for you. By working with a buyer’s real estate agent, you gain access to off-market listings and properties that may not be widely advertised, giving you more options to choose from.

Tailored property searches

A buyer’s realtor can help with your unique needs, such as the proximity to international schools, public transport, or green spaces. They can curate a list of homes that meet your specific criteria.

Expert negotiation skills

Negotiating in a foreign country is tough. A buyer’s realtor can handle all negotiations on your behalf, ensuring that you pay a fair price.

In a hot market, like Utrecht’s for example, bidding wars are common. Having a buyer’s realtor by your side ensures that you don’t overpay or get caught up in emotional bidding. They’ll use market data and comparisons to guide your offers and ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.

Legal and financial know-how

The Dutch system can be complicated, with terms and conditions that are unfamiliar to many expats. A buyer’s real estate agent can walk you through every step of the process, from placing bids to signing the final contract, so you don’t have to worry about missing important details or getting caught off guard.

Realistic price assessments

One issue expats often face is that selling agents frequently set unrealistic asking prices. In this competitive market, they sometimes play with prices to attract attention, which can make it hard to determine the actual value of a property.

Thanks to the VBO comparison system, a VBO buyer’s realtor can see what similar homes have sold for recently, complete with photos and data. This system helps them look beyond asking prices and understand the real market value of a property. With a buyer’s realtor by your side, you’ll be able to make more informed decisions and avoid overpaying in a competitive market.

Legal and financial guidance

The Dutch housing market comes with its own regulations and financial requirements. From understanding Dutch contracts to navigating the mortgage process, a buyer’s realtor can guide you through every step, making sure the details are handled correctly, and you feel confident in your decisions.

Buying a home doesn’t have to be stressful

As an expat, buying a home in a new country can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With the help of a buyer’s realtor to make the process as smooth and rewarding as possible, you are sure to find your new dream home. They will navigate the challenging Dutch housing market for you, avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring that you are making a good investment for your future.