Real Estate Agent Fees
Selling a house involves a lot of work, which is why it can be helpful to hire a real estate agent who can guide you throughout the process. Of course, this comes with a price. Some agents charge a percentage of the sale price (commission), while others work with a fixed fee.
Option 1: Commission 💸
Commission is a percentage based on the sale price of your home. In the Netherlands, the average commission rate is 1.09% (as of March 2025), but this varies by region and price range. Generally, lower-priced homes have a higher commission rate. Below are the average commission rates by price category (source: Huis Verkopen, 2025):
Option 2: Fixed Fee 💰
Some real estate agents charge a fixed fee, regardless of the value of your home. The average fixed fee is €3,750. The main advantage of a fixed fee is that you know upfront how much the agent will charge for selling your house.
Types of Real Estate Agents
Full-Service Agent
A full-service agent assists you throughout the entire sales process, from marketing and viewings to negotiations and drafting the purchase agreement. Full-service agents are usually local real estate experts.
During the preparation for the sale of your house, the agent will already be busy creating interest in your property. This includes hiring a professional photographer, creating a brochure, and listing your house on Funda (a major Dutch housing website). These “start-up costs” typically range from €400 to €500. You often pay these fees upfront, but after the sale is finalized, the agent will deduct the start-up costs from their commission.
Online Agent
Online real estate agents are a cheaper alternative, as they require you to handle most of the process yourself. They usually help with negotiations and listing your house on Funda for a fixed fee averaging €1,350.
Online agents are more affordable, but there are disadvantages. They often lack local market knowledge, are harder to reach, do not provide a free valuation of your home, and require you to handle tasks like scheduling viewings and providing property details.
Maintenance
A well-maintained home sells faster and at a higher price. Therefore, it may be worth making improvements before listing your property.
Minor Repairs 🛠️
Small fixes can make a big difference in how your home is perceived, which can result in a better selling price. Simple tasks like patching wall holes or replacing old carpets typically cost €1,000 to €1,500 but can significantly increase your home's value.
Major Repairs 🏗️
If your house has major issues, such as leaks or wood rot in the window frames, the costs will be higher. The total cost of major repairs depends on the defects, the size of your house, and the construction year. On average, major repairs cost around €10,000. Consult your agent to determine whether it is worth fixing these issues or if you should accept a lower selling price instead.
Energy Label Requirement 🔋
When selling a house, you are legally required to have a valid energy label. If you do not have one yet, you will need to apply for it. An energy label is valid for about 10 years and costs approximately €300.
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Are you planning to sell your house and want to stay in control of your finances? Use the free Grassfeld app! The app helps you set savings goals, automatically categorizes your transactions, and makes budgeting easier. Download Grassfeld now from the App Store or Play Store and experience the benefits for yourself!
