Working with a real-estate agency

You can buy, sell or rent without an agency — Estate24 is free for private owners. But a good agent can save you time and help with the paperwork.

What an agency does

• Advises on the price and prepares the listing with photos.
• Organises viewings and filters out people who are not serious.
• Checks documents and coordinates with the notary, the bank and the other side.

Commission

The commission is agreed in a written brokerage contract: how much, who pays (the seller, the buyer or both) and when it is due — usually only after a contract is signed. Read it carefully: is the agency exclusive, for how long, and what happens if you find a buyer yourself?

Choosing an agent

• Look at their current listings: are the photos and descriptions good?
• Ask how they will market your property and how often they will report back.
• Prefer agencies with a complete Estate24 profile and current listings you can check.