FAQ
Aankoopmakelaar Utrecht
What does an NVM buyer’s agent do?
You want to buy a house in Utrecht. But how do you go about it? Buying a home is not something you do every day. That’s where an NVM buyer’s agent can make a big difference for you.
A buying agent exclusively represents your interests and takes away many uncertainties during the process. They advise on a purchasing strategy, guide you, inform you about what to expect, and protect you from any potential mistakes. Furthermore, they can negotiate on your behalf with extra precision because a buying agent doesn’t have to consider the selling party or ‘other interests.’
Save and benefit from the knowledge and experience of our buying agents. Working together with Aankoopmakelaar Utrecht ensures that your desires are achievable, and you are financially 100% prepared.
Call or visit to discuss your preferences. We are located in one of the most beautiful spots in the city.
Aankoopmakelaar Utrecht
Buyer’s Agent vs. Traditional Real Estate Agent
A buyer’s agent is a specialist in everything related to the purchase of a home. While a ‘regular’ real estate agent alternates between selling and buying houses, a buyer’s agent exclusively handles property acquisitions.
Independence and ethical conduct naturally apply to all traditional real estate agents (those who both buy and sell homes). The NVM (Netherlands Association of Real Estate Agents) closely monitors the ethical conduct of its affiliated agents.
You can compare it to two people involved in a legal dispute, with each party hiring their own attorney to represent their interests.
In the sale of a home, there are also two parties involved. A traditional real estate agent can only represent one of the two parties. Therefore, at the same property, they can never assume both roles. However, they can switch roles at different properties, representing the buying party at one address and the selling party at another.
To prevent potential conflicts of interest, we recommend that you also be critical and consider hiring a professional NVM buyer’s agent.
The biggest advantage for you as a buyer is that Aankoopmakelaar Utrecht solely focuses on purchases. We represent only the buying party, which means we are always extra diligent in negotiations on your behalf.
What should you consider when looking for a buyer’s agent?
NVM registration
Choose a buyer’s agent who is affiliated with the NVM
Get acquainted
Get to know your NVM buyer’s agent
Clear agreements
Make agreements about your preferences, the budget, and document the arrangements.
10 most frequently asked questions to a buyer’s agent
1. What do I save when I hire a buyer's agent?
A buyer’s agent purchases houses on a daily basis. They have experience and possess up-to-date market knowledge. Thanks to this combination, you not only save thousands of euros but also time and avoid unforeseen issues. A buyer’s agent quickly pays off through:
- negotiating a lower purchase price than you could achieve on your own
- having current knowledge of the property’s value
- access to essential information: the structural condition (the relevance of a structural inspection), zoning regulations, easements, homeowners’ association details, etc.
- strategic negotiation: proper timing in negotiating terms, acquisition of personal property, favorable closing dates, etc.
- time saved in the completion of the purchase
2. CAN I ARRANGE THE VIEWING MYSELF, AND THEN LET THE BUYER’S AGENT NEGOTIATE FOR ME?
When you discuss this with your buyer’s agent, it’s certainly possible. Do you already have a property in Utrecht in mind? If you have a genuine interest in a property, it’s essential to act quick. Contact us immediately to discuss the best approach. From that point, the buyer’s agent can initiate the purchase and guide you throughout the entire process.
3. WHEN DO I HAVE TO PAY MY BUYER’S AGENT?
It’s smart to discuss payment arrangements with your buyer’s agent in advance. Most agents charge their commission when the purchase agreement is signed, and you officially become the new owner of the property.
If there are additional costs, such as those for a structural inspection, these will be billed separately.
We operate on a NO CURE NO PAY basis, where the standard commission is only settled upon the purchase of a home.
4. Is it possible to have the costs of my buyer's agent financed along with the purchase?
No, you cannot co-finance the costs of a buyer’s agent. As of January 1 2018, the maximum loan amount has been reduced to 100 percent of the market value of the home. It is possible to deduct the costs for taking out a mortgage. Costs that fall under this are mediation costs for obtaining a mortgage, appraisal costs, notary costs and costs for applying for a National Mortgage Guarantee.
5. Can my buyer's agent perform the appraisal for the financing of my home?
No, the appraisal for financing your home cannot be done by your buyer’s agent. This appraisal for financing purposes must be conducted by an independent real estate appraiser. However, it is possible for your buyer’s agent to facilitate the appraisal for you.
6. I want to buy a house that is not listed with an NVM (Netherlands Association of Real Estate Agents) agent. Can I still hire my buyer's agent for the purchase?
Certainly, that’s possible. Your buyer’s agent can mediate for any property that is for sale. This applies to homes that are not listed at an NVM (Netherlands Association of Real Estate Agents) agent as well.
7. Can I view a house without a buyer's agent?
That’s possible; getting a first impression is important!
If you are genuinely interested in the property afterwards, you can call your NVM (Netherlands Association of Real Estate Agents) buyer’s agent and arrange a second viewing together. This viewing will be conducted with your buyer’s agent and the selling agent. Subsequently, you can determine the next steps with your buyer’s agent.
8. Do I need a buyer's agent if there is already a listing agent involved?
The real estate agent responsible for selling the property represents the seller’s interests. Therefore, they are not allowed to assist in the negotiation process.
It is highly in your advantage to get a buyer’s agent. With the market knowledge that the buyer’s agent possesses, they can prioritize your interests. Furthermore, Aankoopmakelaar Utrecht has more than 10 years of experience in purchasing homes.
In addition to the seller’s obligation to provide information, you also have a duty to conduct due diligence. Your buyer’s agent can provide you with comprehensive information on this matter.
9. Can the mortgage also be arranged by the buyer's agent?
Your buyer’s agent cannot arrange the mortgage for you. However, they can schedule an appointment for you with a mortgage advisor.
10. What else can i expect from a buyer's agent?
On the day of the transfer at the notary, your buyer’s agent makes sure that you can inspect your new home together.
If any defects are discovered, the buyer’s agent will take steps before the deed is signed. Often, during this visit, the meter readings for gas, electricity, and water are also recorded.
Do you encounter issues after receiving the keys? In that case, you can also turn to your buyer’s agent. If necessary, they will contact the selling party and attempt to resolve the problems.
Aankoopmakelaar Utrecht
ALREADY GOT YOUR EYE ON A PROPERTY?
When buying a property, it can be important to act quickly. Feel free to contact us to discuss your best approach.
