The art of bidding on a property is one that requires years of practice. Having someone with the right kind of experience in your corner cannot be underestimated. Luckily, Barry Burgemeester possesses both the diligence and the know-how when it comes to getting bang for your buck! We sat down with Barry recently to answer your burning questions when it comes to bidding on a home in the Netherlands.

– What exactly does it mean to ‘bid’ on a house in the Netherlands?

A ‘bid’ means that you’re showing interest in purchasing a house – it’s more like a gesture, or even a proposal. Remember; bidding is not just about the price – flexibility, restrictions on finance and your budget are all things the seller will consider before proceeding with your offer. If you’re not sure about how to present yourself when it comes to the tender – don’t worry! That’s where your real estate agent comes in.

– From start to finish, what happens during the bidding process?

Your real estate agent will propose the content and then make the offer to the selling agent or seller on your (the client’s) behalf. To make the client as attractive as possible to the seller, your real estate agent will help you to develop a sort of ‘portfolio’ to make you stand out from the crowd. Remember, there are usually a LOT of people competing for the same property, so preparation is key.

– Why can’t I just bid on a home myself? Why do I need a real estate agent?

There’s a lot to do when you’re trying to secure your dream home – if it was that easy, Barry wouldn’t have a job! For a start, everything moves very fast and is always negotiated in Dutch. This means that it can be hard to keep up if you don’t speak the language, let alone if you’re unaccustomed to the market. With a good real estate agent, you’ll be bidding on properties that are both good value and within your budget.

– If I need to overbid, what do have to be aware of?

Amsterdam has an extremely overheated market. It’s often the case that there will be an influx of interest on the same property, which means you’ll almost always have to overbid; the question is, by how much? Well, there’s never a right answer here, however your real estate agent is always the best person to advise on a strategic approach that will be mutually beneficial for both you and the seller.

– How do I finance a bid if I don’t know how much to overbid by?

Good question! Prior to submitting a bid, you’ll need to consider how to finance the extra cost overbidding will incur. This is why a real estate agent is crucial. With Barry’s background and extensive experience, he can advise an estimate on how much you’ll need in total so you can secure your finances, get your ducks in a row and be ready to strike while the iron is hot!

– What happens if and when I win the bid?

Firstly, congratulations! However, do remember that the initial verbal agreement or email confirmation is not binding for the seller and buyer. A deal is only binding after all parties has signed the sale and purchase agreement, so Barry will be your right-hand man in ensuring this process goes smoothly. If you have any questions along the way, don’t be afraid to ask!

So that’s it! We know bidding can be a daunting task for many when it comes to buying your first home, especially in such an unfamiliar market. Bidding is a craft that needs to be honed, but with the right real estate agent you can be safe in the knowledge that you’re being put first. To get in touch, email info@burgemeestervastgoed for a free consultation today.

 

Who is Barry Burgemeester?

Barry Burgemeester is a certified real estate agent and has worked in the property market for more than 23 years. Originally hailing from Utrecht, he is incredibly passionate about what he does and loves helping clients in Amsterdam and beyond. Specializing in helping expats to find their dream home, Barry is an expert at guiding them every step of the way.