Why an MVA buying agent is indispensable

NVM real estate agent Gaby Balkema wrote a guest blog post for the MVA explaining why it’s a good idea to hire a buyer’s agent.

Gaby: “I’ve been working as a real estate agent and appraiser for 25 years now, and I’m increasingly concerned about how people buy homes these days. More and more often, I see buyers having to decide within a few days whether to make an offer. Dozens of people are usually vying for that one house, emotions run high, and people start seeing everything through rose-colored glasses. A thorough investigation? That often doesn’t even cross their minds.

Sometimes, a buyer’s agent is hastily brought in at the last minute to ‘just make the winning offer.’ Others find a buyer’s agent too expensive or don’t see the added value. But buying a home isn’t an impulse purchase. It’s not about a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers—it’s the biggest financial decision of your life. You don’t want to take a gamble on that, do you?”

My Background: 25 Years of Experience and Knowledge Sharing

In all the years I’ve been in the business, I’ve seen countless transactions and guided numerous buyers. My mission has always remained the same: to protect people from making mistakes and ensure they buy their home with confidence and certainty.

I’ve not only gained this experience in practice but have also translated it into knowledge-sharing. In 2016, I wrote the book “Buying a Home—It’s That Easy!”, in which I explain in 18 clear steps how to buy a home in a responsible and structured way. This book has proven to be a guide for many homebuyers.

In addition, as an instructor, I teach courses to buyer’s agents and have developed training programs that enable my colleagues to guide their clients even more effectively. I translate what I learn and experience into practical, immediately applicable tools—so that both real estate agents and consumers can navigate the buying process more safely and wisely.

The Pressure on the Housing Market

The facts speak for themselves. An average home in the greater Amsterdam area now costs more than 6 ton. About 80% of homes are sold above the asking price. And often, you have to make an offer within a few days.

But how do you determine what a home is really worth? What should you look out for? And is it still responsible to make an offer without conditions, purely to stay in the running? Without expert advice, these are major risks.

The role of a buyer’s agent

Many people think that a buyer’s agent is mainly there to provide quick access to the housing market. In my opinion, that’s the least relevant argument. After all, finding a home isn’t the hardest part.

A buyer’s agent makes the real difference by investigating whether the home is truly the right fit for you. Not just in terms of budget, but also in terms of future plans, neighborhood, amenities, safety, structural condition, layout, and comfort.

A good buyer’s agent takes on that due diligence entirely for you. They assess the property objectively, ask probing questions, and ensure you aren’t blinded by emotion. Think of it as a thorough yet accessible way to take the right step toward a happy home life.

In short: maximum risk reduction, at minimal cost.

The benefits of an MVA buyer’s agent

If you choose an MVA buyer’s agent, you know you’re working with a professional who meets strict criteria:

• - Possesses local knowledge and years of experience.
• - Has access to extensive data and analytical tools.
• - Is licensed and registered in the real estate agent registry.
• - Participates in continuing education to stay up-to-date.
• - Is insured for professional and general liability.
• - Is subject to disciplinary oversight and adheres to a code of conduct.
• - Is independent and objective.
• - Has an extensive network of colleagues and specialists. You’ll get answers to your questions
• - Is familiar with Amsterdam-specific issues such as ground leases, foundation problems, and housing regulations.
• - Also has expertise in sustainability and renovation.

In short: you’ll get certainty, protection, and access to knowledge you simply don’t have yourself.

“But isn’t a buyer’s agent expensive?”

I hear that a lot. But let’s be honest: what’s expensive compared to the risks of making a bad purchase?

A full-service home-buying process can easily take a buyer’s agent 40 to 60 hours of work. During that time, everything is checked: from legal documents and the structural condition of the property to ground lease terms and zoning plans. Did you know that when buying an apartment, more than 100 checks are often needed to identify all potential risks?

In addition, there are also more and more options for partial services on an hourly basis. This is handy if you already have some experience or lack certain knowledge. That way, you only pay for what you really need.

What’s going wrong right now

What bothers me is that consumers often have to make decisions under enormous pressure. Selling under intense time pressure might work for some real estate agents and sellers, but not for buyers who are putting their life savings and future on the line.

Omitting conditions precedent—such as a financing contingency—just to be competitive feels to me like driving without a seatbelt. Most of the time it goes well, until it eventually goes wrong.

In commercial real estate, this is handled much better. There, after signing a letter of intent, a buyer is often given weeks to review everything thoroughly. Why do we accept in the residential market that you have to decide within three days on a 600,000 investment?

Time for Change

With the elections approaching, it would be wise to establish legal provisions ensuring buyers have sufficient time to conduct due diligence. And why not immediately address the tax deductibility of the buyer’s agent and reintroduce the protected title of “real estate agent”? That would lower the barrier to entry, increase transparency, and protect more buyers.

Conclusion: Don’t take any risks

You’ll likely only buy a home a few times in your life. The financial and emotional impact is enormous. It cannot—and should not—be the case that you do this without thorough guidance.

In my 25 years as a real estate agent, I’ve learned that knowledge and preparation make the difference between a worry-free purchase and a nightmare. That’s why I share my experience through my book, courses, and blogs—but above all, by guiding my clients.

A buyer’s agent helps you navigate all the pitfalls. He or she ensures that you buy with confidence, under the right terms, and without facing any unpleasant surprises later on.

Are you about to buy a home?

Don’t let yourself be rushed. Hire an MVA real estate agent to help you buy your dream home. And give yourself peace of mind, certainty, and a worry-free purchase.