What does a selling agent do? (2024)

In short, this is what a selling agent does for you:

• Determining the asking price
• Finding buyers
• Contact with interested parties
• Paperwork and regulations

Determining the Asking Price

The first question you might have is about the right asking price for the property. Several factors come into play here. First, the selling agent consults the Land Registry to compare historical sales prices of similar homes in the area. Unlike Funda, the Land Registry records actual sales, not asking prices. The development of the neighborhood also plays a role. Is the area in demand, and what does the zoning plan for the area look like? Finally, the condition of the property is crucial. Has major maintenance been recently carried out, or has the property been renovated?

Next, the selling agent will discuss your sales wishes and consider them. Is your goal to sell your house quickly, or do you have time and aim for a higher yield? The asking price is always determined in consultation with the seller. This price is not fixed: if it turns out that the initial asking price is too high and there are too few bids, it can be decided to lower the asking price. Thus, The selling agent advises an ideal asking price based on your sales goals, but you have the final say as the seller.

Finding Buyers

A well-presented home with beautiful photos quickly attracts more potential buyers. The selling agent ensures your property is as attractive as possible on Funda. Photos are taken, possibly with rented furniture, the energy label is prepared, a floor plan is made, and the description is written by the agent. In other words, the agent makes the house ready for sale. The selling agent will inform you about the services they can offer in advance.

Tip: Take photos of the house on a sunny day

Then it's time to find potential buyers. The agent is an expert in reaching interested parties. Of course, the property is placed on Funda, which only an agent can do. Additionally, agents have their own channels, from social media to a personal list of buyers searching on their network. This way, they bring the property to the attention of their network of active seekers.

Contact with Interested Parties

The selling agent also handles viewings and negotiations with buyers and purchasing agents. This is where good agents distinguish themselves from bad ones. After all, it is the selling agent's job to present your property as well as possible and to make buyers enthusiastic with a convincing story. The selling agent accepts a bid but also assesses whether the bidder is genuinely interested. Serious bids are presented to you, after which you accept or wait for a higher offer.

Paperwork and Regulations

A selling agent knows the rules and formalities surrounding property sales like no other and takes care of this for you. For example, they ensure that your interests as a seller are protected by ensuring that the buyer cannot easily dissolve the sales contract. By outsourcing this to a selling agent, you save yourself a lot of headaches.

Find out more about selling your home in The Netherlands