A buying agent in Utrecht: how useful is that in a market where more than 50% of homes are sold above the asking price? Isn't a buying agent there to negotiate for you? But what does a buying agent do when there's nothing to negotiate? Even when Gusto Casa approaches you about a new home, a buying agent can be very useful. Read here why a buying agent can be worthwhile.
1. An estate agent has market knowledge
An estate agent has market knowledge: up-to-date market knowledge. In an overheated market, the most recent transaction figures matter. But it's not just the transaction figures that matter. It's also good if your buying agent points out to you, for example, the problems with the district heating in those beautiful apartments close to the station. Or the beautiful big family homes that stand on leasehold land: what are the consequences of a home on leasehold (erfpacht)? What are the developments in the area? Your buying agent is up to date on developments in the city, knows the current market value and can advise you when you make an offer.
2. An estate agent is a good negotiator
In many cases in Utrecht, your estate agent won't knock anything off the asking price anymore. But an estate agent can put forward the most favourable offer possible. They try to present the offer to the selling party as favourably as possible. But they also advise you, for example, to include conditions (ontbindende voorwaarden) in your offer. Conditions are, for example, a clause that lets you dissolve the purchase if you can't obtain financing for the home. But also a clause under which you don't have to buy the home if, for example, the floor turns out to be rotten. In addition, your estate agent knows their colleagues, tries to gather information and so makes sure your offer is as favourable as possible. The difference between €10,000 and €20,000 above the asking price is big. Your estate agent tries to buy the home on the most favourable terms possible.
3. An estate agent protects you from a house with defects
Your buying agent looks at the house together with you. Are the window frames still hard enough, or are there soft spots where the frame has rotted? How is the house insulated, and how will it be insulated? The agent checks whether the house is leaning and looks at the house's potential. If he or she has doubts, they'll advise you to have a structural survey carried out by an accredited firm.
4. A buying agent analyses all the relevant documents
Your buying agent examines various deeds, cadastral data and, where applicable, VvE documents. An agent looks at the qualitative obligations and easements. Is there a right of way, are the cadastral boundaries correct and who has to maintain the fence? When you buy an apartment, you're dealing with a VvE (owners' association). It's important to check whether there's enough money in the kitty, whether big jobs are planned and what agreements have been made between the owners. But your estate agent will also check the purchase agreement. The agent will make sure the deed is drawn up according to the agreements made. They'll also try to keep unfavourable provisions out of the agreement as far as possible.
5. An estate agent looks at the possibilities
A good buying agent will point out the possibilities to you. If the zoning plan allows you to add an extra storey to your house, they'll give you insight into the potential added value for the home. If it's possible to create a roof terrace, your buying agent will help you get started with the procedure.
When you're looking for a buying agent, it's important that you click. Your buying agent needs to understand you. He or she should know straight away whether a house suits you. Check the reviews on Funda and select the agent who feels like the right fit for you. Choose a buying agent who takes the time for you, looks into things beforehand and talks them through with you, and who doesn't have several searchers in the same segment. One more little tip: make sure your buying agent doesn't sell almost all the homes in your favourite neighbourhood, because he or she can't help you buy a home that their own office is selling.
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