What does a sales agent cost? This is question we often see come up. The biggest cost when working with a sales broker is the brokerage fee. A real estate agent’s commission is a predetermined percentage that the selling agent receives when selling your home.
Also, there are always start-up costs. So that the broker can finance the first steps of the sales process. There may also still be a sales success fee included in the contract. To do this, we look at the difference between the price it is offered for and the sale price.
At VK Makelaars we are clear and transparent. Furthermore, with us, an appointment really is an appointment. This means that when you choose us, there are no high start-up costs or hidden commissions. We are not a price fighter, but deliver the quality you expect at a fair price. We’re happy to tell you a bit more about the costs of a sales agent below.
Percentages
The traditional broker usually charges a percentage of the sale proceeds as a brokerage fee. This varies between 1.2% and 1.8% of the sale proceeds / (gross) sales price. Often it is the case, the higher the value of the home, the lower the brokerage fee and vice versa.
Success Fairy
Also, a “success fee” is often suggested by the broker. You then get 2 options:
- A fixed brokerage fee of x percent of revenue or simply for a flat rate
- A somewhat lower attractive fixed brokerage fee up to a certain sales price plus a success fee on anything above that set price.
Sales agent fees vary and depend on:
- Choosing a traditional broker or an Internet broker.
- The value of a property. The more expensive the property, the higher often the brokerage fee.
- The region where you live. In some regions, different brokers compete very much on price. For example, Amsterdam and Apeldoorn.
Two examples of possible quotations:
Option 1: Standing Committee
On sale 1.2% incl. VAT on the final sales price achieved.
Option 2: Fixed price with a bonus (or success fee)
On sales up to € 300,000 a commission of 1% incl. VAT
All above € 300,000 10% on the difference
If you choose option 2 and the house is sold for € 310,000 you will pay a commission:
1% over € 300,000 = € 3,000
10% over €10,000 = €1,000
Total: €4,000 (excluding start-up costs)
So theoretically, you would have been cheaper with option 1. But think carefully about the fact that by handling that success fee, your broker had extra incentive to get the most out of it for you.
Start-up costs
There is always a start-up fee. Keep in mind around €500 in start-up costs, of course this varies by broker….
Internet real estate agent
The cost is approximately €1,300 including VAT. With an internet broker you perform the time-consuming tasks yourself, think of the viewings and taking pictures for Funda.
Keep in mind, however, that opinions are very divided on whether an internet broker is going to get the same sales results as a good traditional broker.
Also, with online sales agents, the costs are mainly incurred up front. This means that even without a sale, you will have to pay the brokerage fees.
The cost of a traditional sales broker
To still get an idea of what the cost of a real estate agent for your home may be, you can make this sum: you take the brokerage percentage of the value of the home and add the start-up costs.
The average value of a condo in 2022 is €400,000+. The average brokerage fee is about 1.1% and the start-up cost about €500. This means that when you sell, you pay around €5000.
The average value of an apartment in 2022 is €315,000. With the same brokerage and fixed costs when selling paid around €4000.
You can assume that for every €100,000 that your home becomes worth more you will incur about €500 more in real estate agent fees.
Why you should choose VK Makelaars as your sales agent
At VK Makelaars, personal attention comes first, which is why our sales agents take more than enough time to go through this process with you. We are transparent and honest, so you know what to expect from us. We use a no cure no pay method when selling a home. Finally, we are always available to you to answer all your questions.
Apart from all this, we are also rated on Funda with a 9.8 as a sales agent!
Indication of costs for a sales agent
Below is an indicative overview of the costs you can expect from the sales agent
