Choosing the best purchasing agent: what should you look for?

Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. It makes sense that you want the best estate agent by your side. But what should you look for when comparing estate agents? In this article, we share the most important criteria so that you can make an informed choice.

Why use an estate agent?
The housing market in the Randstad is competitive. Popular properties attract dozens of viewings and are regularly sold above the asking price. A buying agent exclusively represents your interests: from estimating the market value to conducting negotiations and checking the deed of sale. This prevents you from paying too much or encountering any surprises.

However, not all purchasing agents are the same. Quality, approach and costs vary. That is why it is wise to compare carefully in advance.

What should you look for when choosing a purchasing agent?
1. Local market knowledge
A purchasing agent who knows the local market inside out will be able to advise you better. Someone who knows which neighbourhoods are up-and-coming and how similar properties have recently been sold will make all the difference when it comes to making a good offer. During the introductory meeting, ask specifically about their experience in the area where you are looking.

Also, check whether the agent specialises in buying. Some agencies combine sales and buying, which can lead to conflicts of interest.

2. Personal guidance
Do you work with a permanent contact person, or are you transferred to different colleagues? The best purchasing agent knows your situation, your housing requirements and your budget, and is available when it matters. Think of a short-term property viewing or an offer that has to be made on the same day.

3. Experience and track record
An estate agent with years of experience has conducted hundreds of negotiations and knows the pitfalls. Don't just ask about the number of years, but also about concrete results: how many purchase transactions have been supervised in the past year?

4. Reviews from previous clients
What do previous clients say? Don't just read the average rating, but also the substantive reviews. How did the estate agent respond to setbacks? Was the communication clear? Preferably look at recent reviews on platforms such as Google and Funda.

5. Transparent costs
The costs of a purchasing agent vary. Some agents work with a fixed fee, others with a commission based on the purchase price. Always ask for a clear quote including VAT in advance. A lower price is not automatically better. An experienced agent who saves you thousands of pounds in negotiations will more than pay for themselves.

6. The personal connection
You will be working closely with your purchasing agent, sometimes for weeks or months. A good feeling, confidence in the approach and open communication form the basis. Always schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting before making a choice.

Do you always need a purchasing agent?
You are not obliged to hire a purchasing agent. However, without professional guidance, you are responsible for assessing the property, making an offer and checking the deed of sale. In a competitive market such as Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Haarlem and Leiden, a purchasing agent can save you a lot of time, money and stress.

Purchase guidance by Koops Makelaardij
At Koops Makelaardij, we have been active in the property market since 2008. With offices in Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Haarlem and Leiden, we know the regional property market inside out. Every year, we assist with approximately 1,000 transactions in the Greater Amsterdam area, from rentals and sales to purchases.

Our purchase guidance is characterised by a personal approach: you always work with a permanent purchasing agent who knows your wishes, actively searches with you and guides you from the first viewing to the handover of the keys. Our process starts with a no-obligation introductory meeting in which we map out your housing wishes, budget and priorities.

Curious about what we can do for you? Feel free to contact us or view our purchase pages for Amsterdam, Amstelveen and Leiden.

Buying agent and selling agent: can they be from the same agency?
You want to buy a house and sell your current home. Can the same estate agent handle both processes? Or is that a conflict of interest? In this article, we explain the rules, when a buying agent can also be a selling agent, and in which situations this is not allowed.

What is the difference between a buying agent and a selling agent?
A buying agent represents the interests of the buyer. He or she helps to find suitable properties, assesses the condition of the property, advises on the bidding strategy and supervises the negotiations and legal proceedings. A selling agent is on the seller's side. He or she ensures a strong presentation, determines the asking price, supervises viewings and negotiates on behalf of the seller to achieve the best selling price.

Both roles therefore require a different approach. The buying agent wants to keep the price as low as possible, while the selling agent wants to get the most out of the sale.

When is it allowed?
There is an important difference between the same property and the same client. An estate agent is allowed to sell your property and at the same time assist you in purchasing another property. In that case, there is no conflict of interest, because it concerns two separate transactions with two different counterparties.

In fact, this combination can actually be advantageous. Your estate agent knows your situation, knows what you are looking for and can coordinate the sale and purchase process effectively. This includes coordinating the completion date, negotiating a longer cancellation period or running both processes in parallel so that you are not left in limbo between two properties.

What should you pay attention to?
Are you considering using the same estate agent to sell your current home and purchase your new home? If so, keep the following in mind:
- Check whether the property you want to buy is listed with the same agency. If so, your estate agent cannot assist you with the purchase of that specific property.
- Ask in advance how the agency deals with situations in which a property from its own portfolio comes into the picture. A professional agency will be transparent about this and, in such cases, will engage an external purchasing agent or assist you in finding an alternative.
- Also discuss the costs. For a combined process, some estate agents offer a more favourable rate because they are already familiar with your situation and wishes.

Buying and selling through Koops Makelaardij
At Koops Makelaardij, we assist with both the sale and purchase of homes in Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Haarlem and Leiden. With four branches and over 15 years of experience in the region, we know the local market inside out.

If you want to sell your home and are looking for a new one at the same time, we will coordinate both processes. You will work with a dedicated estate agent who understands your situation and will personally guide you through every step of the way.

Would you like to know what we can do for you? Feel free to contact us or take a look at our pages for purchase guidance in Amsterdam, Amstelveen and Leiden.

What does a purchasing agent do during a viewing?
A purchasing agent views the property with a professional eye, asks the selling agent specific questions and points out things that you, as the buyer, might easily overlook. In this article, we explain exactly what a purchasing agent does during a viewing and why this can protect you from making a bad purchase.

Why take a purchasing agent with you to a viewing?
As a buyer, you have a duty to investigate. This means that you must assess the condition of the property before you buy it. You cannot simply claim compensation from the seller afterwards for defects that you could have discovered during the viewing. This makes the viewing a crucial moment in the purchasing process.

The problem is that, as a buyer, you are often emotionally involved. You can already picture your furniture in the living room, when you should actually be looking for damp spots behind the sofa. A purchasing agent looks at the property with a neutral, professional eye and is not swayed by attractive décor or an atmospheric presentation.

What does a purchasing agent look for during a viewing?
A purchasing agent assesses the property on several aspects. The most important points of attention are the structural condition, possible hidden defects and the surroundings.

When assessing the structural condition, the agent looks at the foundations, the roof, the walls and the floors. Are there cracks in the walls? What condition are the joints in? Is the crawl space dry or are there signs of damp? The agent also checks the condition of installations such as the central heating boiler, the pipework and the meter cupboard.

Hidden defects are issues that are not immediately visible but can lead to high costs. Examples include wood rot in window frames, mould behind cupboards, leaks under the roof or problems with the sewerage system. A purchasing agent knows where these defects often occur and checks these areas specifically.

In addition to the property itself, the purchasing agent also assesses the surrounding area. How difficult is it to find parking in the street? Are there any new construction plans in the neighbourhood that could affect the view? How active is the Homeowners' Association and what is the status of the maintenance fund? These are issues that affect the value and enjoyment of the property.

What questions does a purchasing agent ask?
During the viewing, a purchasing agent asks the selling agent or owner specific questions. These are questions that you might not think of yourself, but which are essential. Think of questions about when the roof was last replaced, whether there have ever been any leaks, how long the property has been on the market and why the owner is selling.

The agent will also ask about things that are not mentioned in the sales brochure: what is the relationship with the neighbours like, have any known defects been reported, and what items will be left behind when the property is sold? The answers to these questions will give you a more complete picture of what you are buying.

Preparation and aftercare
A good purchasing agent prepares for the viewing. Before you enter the property, the agent will have already researched how long the property has been on the market, what similar properties in the street have sold for and whether there are any special features in the zoning plan or with the owners' association.

After the viewing, the purchasing agent will discuss their findings with you. Are there any issues that need to be investigated further, for example through a structural survey? Is the asking price realistic given the condition of the property? And if you want to make an offer, what is a sensible bidding strategy? This aftercare is at least as valuable as the viewing itself.

Does a purchasing agent accompany you to every viewing?
That depends on the agreements you make. Some buyers do the first viewing themselves and only call in the purchasing agent for a second viewing of a property that is seriously under consideration. Others want guidance from the outset.

At Koops Makelaardij, we tailor our services to your wishes. Would you rather explore on your own and call us in once you have found a property that appeals to you? Then we will guide you from that moment on. Would you prefer to have a professional by your side from the very first viewing? Then we will accompany you.

Purchase guidance by Koops Makelaardij
At Koops Makelaardij, we will accompany you to viewings and look at properties with you, if desired. We know the Greater Amsterdam region inside out, from the canal houses in the centre to the 1930s houses in Amstelveen and the new-builds in Leiden. We know what to look for and what questions to ask.

You will work with a dedicated purchasing agent who understands your situation and provides you with personal guidance. No algorithms or remote advice, but someone who is there for you when it matters.