Fair is fair: not everyone needs a buying agent right away for every home they want to buy. Some people are already so savvy and experienced with buying homes that they already know exactly what to look for. Based on experience, that percentage of experienced buyers with “buying agent skills” is not very large. About 5% of people are handy with that, in our experience.
In this earlier blog, we already explained to you why you should hire a buying agent. This is in part because a good buying agent can fish out the legal and construction details for you, can make the best deal, should prevent you from overpaying, and simply increases your chances of getting a deal.
In 95% of cases, it is helpful to WELL hire a buying agent, even if a home has been for sale for a long time. Read on to discover when it is advisable to use a buying agent.
When is a buying agent really necessary?
As stated above, in 95% of cases it does make sense to use a buying agent. The main reasons to do hire a buying agent are:
Limited Experience: If you have little experience buying a home, a buying agent can guide and advise you every step of the way.
Time savings: If you have little time to do intensive house searches and negotiations yourself, a buying agent can speed up the search process and make it more efficient.
Local market knowledge: If you are unfamiliar with the local real estate market, a buying agent can help you assess a property’s value and make informed decisions.
Competitive market: In a competitive market, a buying agent can give you an edge by having access to exclusive information and helping you identify new listings.
When is a buying agent not necessary?
Some people, as mentioned at the beginning of this article, are very handy and agile themselves. Add to that the fact that some of those people, again, want to do things SELF. So also themselves BUY their own house or later themselves SELL their own house again. This target group is also probably better off not needing a buying agent.
Just be aware: you have an awful lot of good buying agents, but also an awful lot of cowboys in between. Whether someone is a member of a trade association (NVM or VBO) is never a guarantee. Be sure to read this article on how to find a good buying agent and get someone with good references and preferably someone who has also been personally recommended by friends or family.
But isn’t a buying agent a waste of money?
A buying agent who saves you from expensive pitfalls (rotten floors, legal obstacles, etc) that cost tens of thousands of dollars in damage or value is quickly recouped.
The financial idea of a buying agent should be that it ALWAYS pays for itself twice over.
How do I find a good buying agent and what does it cost?
Find out how to find a good buying agent in this article and read about the approximate cost of a buying agent in this blog.
Can a buying agent also be cheaper if I only need help from 1 property?
If you specifically have 1 property in mind, then you can also hire a buying agent for “targeted buying guidance” and then you will also pay a much lower rate.
Need professional help?
Buying a home involves a lot, and it can be overwhelming to arrange everything yourself. Our professional buying brokers are ready to guide and support you every step of the way. From searching for suitable properties to conducting negotiations and reviewing legal documents, we make sure your interests are protected and you can make an informed decision. Don’t wait any longer for your dream home! If you need more help or need to spar about our buying agent services, please feel free to contact us at no obligation via this form or by phone at 023-2052296. We work throughout the whole of the NETHERLANDS. Our team is here to answer all your questions and provide you with personalized advice.