Comparing estate agents: how do you make the right choice?

1. Local market knowledge. An agent who knows your street, your neighbourhood and recent sales there can determine the asking price precisely and knows which buyers are active in that segment. Ask concretely: how many homes have you sold or bought in my area in the past year?
2. Experience with your type of property. A high-end apartment sells differently from a detached villa with stables. Ask for references from comparable properties.
3. Honest pricing. Ask for a fixed-price quote on paper before signing. Watch for hidden costs: photography, listing, energy label, styling — what is included?
4. Communication and availability. Can your agent call you back within 24 hours? Do they respond on WhatsApp? During a sale you often depend on quick responses.
5. Personal click. Don't underestimate this. An agent represents you in negotiations involving tens of thousands of euros. Trust is essential.

1. How many homes have you sold in my area in the past year?
2. How do you determine the asking price for my home?
3. How long do you expect the sale to take?
4. What exactly is included in your fee?
5. Do you charge commission or a fixed fee, and why?
6. Who takes the photos and writes the Funda copy?
7. How often and how do you report progress?
8. What do you do if the home is unsold after six weeks?
9. Who is my main point of contact, and are they reachable on weekends?
10. May I call two recent references before I sign?

A good agent answers directly, honestly and with reasoning. Evasive, vague answers are a red flag.

For a selling agent, count on 1 to 2 percent commission on the final sale price. For a buying agent, an average of €2,500 to €5,000 or 1 to 1.5 percent of the purchase price. But don't let price alone guide you: an agent who charges 0.5 percent more but sells your home for 5 percent more is cheaper on net.

OSM is a network of independent, local agents. No call centre, no template approach. You get one dedicated agent who knows your street, speaks your language (literally: we have Dutch, English, Polish, Turkish and Ukrainian speakers) and is not measured on standard KPIs but on satisfied clients. Fees discussed transparently upfront. No hidden costs, no long contracts.