An agent on your side of the table
In the Netherlands the agent showing you the property works for the seller. A buying agent works for you.
Why this distinction matters more than it sounds
In many countries you buy through the seller's agent. That is possible here too, but that agent represents the seller's interest, not yours. A buying agent sits on your side of the table and has no interest in a higher price.
It also explains why viewings are sometimes short and why information is not always volunteered. The selling agent has no duty to point out what is wrong with the property.
We come along to viewings, assess the technical condition, read the documents and advise on the offer and its conditions. And we do all of that in English.
More about the buying agentWhat the paperwork says, and why it counts
The purchase agreement sets out what you are buying, when, and under which conditions you can still withdraw. That last part matters most: without a financing condition you are bound, even if your mortgage falls through.
For an apartment there are the owners' association documents: the reserve fund, the long-term maintenance plan and the minutes of recent meetings. Together they show whether a large expense is coming that you will help pay for.
In Amsterdam and parts of other cities there is also ground lease. Whether the fee has been bought off permanently, and until when, can differ by tens of thousands of euros. We check that for every property.
The selling agent works for the seller. A buying agent works for you and has no interest in a higher price.
Often yes, particularly for older properties. We advise per property and can arrange it.
An owners' association for apartment buildings. Its reserve fund and maintenance plan directly affect what the apartment will cost you.
We work with advisers who handle international clients. We bring them in early, before you start bidding.
Ready to start looking?
Let us go through your situation first. That saves you months of looking in the wrong segment.