FAQ
Grandia Aankoopmakelaars
An NVM BUYER’S AGENT PROTECTS YOUR INTERESTS EXCLUSIVELY
When buying a property, a buyer’s agent can do a lot for you. A buyer’s agent works only for you and never for the seller. This guarantees that you have someone who guides you, who protects you from making an undesirable purchase, and who knows what they’re doing and enjoys sharing this experience with you.
Why not meet the Utrecht buyer’s agent!
Are you looking for an experienced NVM buyer’s agent in Utrecht? Then give us a call to discuss your requirements! If you prefer to visit us, you are always welcome. We are located in one of the city’s most attractive areas.
Grandia Aankoopmakelaars
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR BUYER’S AGENT?
A buyer’s agent specialises in buying properties. An ordinary estate agent arranges the sale and sometimes also the purchase of properties. As a buyer, it is to your advantage that the buyer’s agent negotiates solely for buyers, and is therefore impartial. We are often consulted because of our specialism and the significant amount of recent experience in the market, which are valuable assets to a buyer, both when viewing poperties or during the negotiating process.
The NVM rigorously ensures that its member buyer’s agents act ethically. Naturally, traditional estate agents (those who buy and sell houses) should also be impartial. Nevertheless, we urge you to be critical and engage a professional NVM buyer’s agent in order to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.
The situation is similar to two parties being engaged in a legal dispute. Each party will instruct their own lawyer. It’s the same with a real estate agent. The real estate agent must represent only one of the two parties. A traditional estate agent can switch roles: representing the buying party at one moment, and the selling party the next. But they must never assume both roles for the same property.
WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN A BUYER’S AGENT?
Affiliated with NVM
Choose a buyer’s agent who is affiliated with the NVM
Get acquainted
Get to know your NVM buyer’s agent
Clear agreements
Make clear agreements in advance about your wishes and budget
The 10 most frequently asked questions about the buyer’s agent
1. HOW MUCH WILL I SAVE IF I BUY A HOUSE WITH THE HELP OF A BUYER’S AGENT?
Expertise, experience and market knowledge mean that the buyer’s agent can save you thousands of euros, time and problems. You earn back the costs of a buyer’s agent in:
- lower purchase price than you could achieve yourself;
- insight into the value of the home;
- saving time through expert handling of all matters;
- essential information about the home, such as: easements, association of owners, architectural condition (is it necessary to carry out an architectural inspection, under what conditions and with what description), planning, etc.;
- a strategic negotiation: bringing forward the terms of the purchase, takeover of movable property, transport date, etc. at the right time in the negotiations.
2. CAN I ARRANGE THE VIEWING MYSELF, AND THEN LET THE BUYER’S AGENT NEGOTIATE FOR ME?
It is certainly possible to consult with your buyer’s agent. Have you found a house? Then contact us as soon as possible. The buyer’s agent will then record the property and inform you about the important aspects and give you personal advice. From that moment on, the purchasing agent can start the purchase and guide you through it.
3. WHEN DO I HAVE TO PAY MY BUYER’S AGENT?
If no purchase agreement has ultimately been concluded, you basically do not have to pay anything. Consult in advance with your buyer’s agent about the time of payment. Most brokers settle the commission on the date that the deed of sale is signed and you become the new owner of the home. The actual costs incurred, such as a structural survey, will of course be charged.
4. CAN I INCLUDE MY BUYER’S AGENT FEE IN MY FINANCING?
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 VALUE MY PROPERTY FOR FINANCING PURPOSES?
No, the buyer’s agent is not allowed to appraise the property. The valuation for financing must be carried out by an independent broker/valuer. Your buyer’s agent can arrange the valuation for you.
6. WILL MY BUYER’S AGENT BE ABLE TO HELP ME BUY A HOUSE THAT IS NOT FOR SALE WITH AN NVM BUYER’S AGENT?
Yes that is possible. A buyer’s agent can do mediation for every home that is offered for sale. Even if the house is not for sale with an NVM buyer’s agent.
7. CAN I HAVE A VIEWING WITHOUT A BUYER’S AGENT?
Of course you can do the first viewing without the buyer’s agent. The first impression is important!
Does the house meet your needs? Then you call an NVM buyer’s agent to make an appointment for a second viewing. You view the property a second time together with your buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent. Your buyer’s agent will then discuss everything related to the property with you and you will jointly determine the process to be followed.
8. IF THERE IS A SELLER’S AGENT, DO I STILL NEED A BUYER’S AGENT?
The estate agent who has the property for sale represents the interests of the seller. He or she is therefore not allowed to help you with the negotiation process to be followed.
It is a good idea to hire a buyer’s agent yourself. Your buyer’s agent is an expert, has knowledge of the local market and most importantly: he represents your interests. Grandia Aankoopmakelaars also has more than 10 years of experience in purchasing houses.
Despite the seller’s obligation to provide information, the buyer also has an obligation to investigate. Your buyer’s agent can provide you with more information about this.
9. CAN THE BUYER’S AGENT ALSO ARRANGE THE MORTGAGE?
A buyer’s agent is generally not a mortgage advisor. He can, however, make an appointment for you with a mortgage adviser.
10. WHAT ELSE DOES THE BUYER’S AGENT DO?
On the day of the transfer (transport at the notary) your buyer’s agent will arrange that you can inspect your new home together.
Did the inspection reveal defects? Then the buyer’s agent will take action before the deed is signed at the notary. Usually, the meter readings for gas, light and water are also taken during this inspection.
You can also contact your buyer’s agent if there are problems after receiving the key. If necessary, he or she will contact the seller (through the seller’s agent) and try to solve the problems for you.
Grandia Aankoopmakelaars
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.
