Selling your home with an estate agent: how it works and what to expect

Selling your home with an estate agent gives you access to market knowledge, negotiating experience and a network of buyers. Yet not every seller knows exactly what an estate agent does, what the collaboration costs and how to choose the right one. In this article you will read how the process unfolds, which steps are involved and why it pays to put several estate agents side by side before you make a decision.

What does an estate agent do when selling your home?

An estate agent guides the entire sales process, from the first assessment to the signing at the notary. It starts with setting the right price. The agent looks at recent sales in your area, the condition of your home and the EPC rating, and translates that into a realistic asking price. Would you like an idea of the value yourself first? Then request a free valuation of your home to begin with.

Next comes the presentation. Think professional photos, a clear description and publication on the major property portals. The agent schedules the viewings, screens prospective buyers and conducts the negotiations. The legal side is part of it too: drawing up the sales agreement, following up the compromis and coordinating with the notary. You stay in control, but you do not have to carry the work yourself.

How the sale unfolds step by step

A sale with an estate agent follows a set rhythm. First there is an introductory meeting and an on-site valuation. The agent discusses the asking price, the approach and the expected selling time. You then sign a sales assignment in which the arrangements and the commission are set down in black and white.

After that the marketing begins: photography, an online listing and sometimes a sign on the facade. The viewings are scheduled and after each visit you receive feedback. As soon as an offer comes in, the agent negotiates the price and conditions. Once there is agreement, the compromis follows, the signed sales agreement. Finally the deed is executed at the notary, usually within four months of the compromis. On average, a sale in Flanders takes two to four months, depending on price, location and the condition of the home.

What does an estate agent cost and what do you get in return?

The cost of an estate agent mainly consists of the commission. In Belgium this usually lies between 2 and 4 percent of the sale price, excluding VAT. The exact percentage is negotiable and differs from one office and region to another. Some agents work with a fixed amount instead of a percentage.

Set against that cost is what you get back. An experienced agent aims for a sharp but achievable price, which avoids selling too cheaply. The guidance saves you time and limits legal risks. A good negotiator often obtains a higher price than a seller working alone, so the commission partly pays for itself. Would you like to know which rates and approach suit your home? Compare several estate agents without obligation and judge the differences for yourself.

Why comparing several estate agents pays off

No two estate agents are alike. They differ in commission, marketing approach, local knowledge and selling speed. One is strong on starter homes, another knows the market for apartments or rural properties. Their availability and communication also vary, and that is precisely what makes a big difference during a sale. Anyone who immediately goes with the first agent they meet misses those nuances.

By putting three agents side by side, you quickly see who really knows your area and who proposes a realistic price. You compare not only the rate, but also the service and the rapport. Through ImmoMakelaarVergelijker.be you can compare up to three BIV-accredited estate agents, free and without obligation. That way you choose with peace of mind, without commitments and with all the information laid out.

Ready to sell with the right estate agent?

Selling a home with an estate agent does not have to be expensive or complicated, as long as you choose the right partner. First determine the value of your home, understand how the process runs and then compare a few offices on price and approach. If you take the time for that comparison, you will sell more smoothly and at a better price. Take the first step today and let the figures speak for you.