There is no lack of real estate agencies in Luxembourg. On atHome, a leading real estate portal, some 616 agencies are listed! Independent agents, affiliated brokers, agency networks, newcomers… with such a wide variety of choice, how can you make sure you pick the right one? We might not be able to tell you which one to go for, however we can give you some recommendations to make an informed choice.
Considering the money at play, choosing the right agent is imperative. Although there are no magic solutions, some points should draw your attention and will allow you to determine if the agency you are considering is serious and meets your needs. Before going through the list, here is a small reminder of the usual process before choosing your agent.
Before signing the “mandat de vente” (sale mandate), the process is usually very much alike.
Do not be pressured into signing, and never sign a sale mandate during the first meeting. Take your time, and compare the different propositions you will receive. Don’t take this decision lightly: your property is usually the main element of your capital, and the agent, as well as the agency he belongs to, will represent your property. Make sure it is in capable hands.
A property that is listed for too long will suffer a serious loss of credibility from potential buyers, especially in a high demand market.
Listing your property at the right price is essential. Too low, and you risk a shortfall on your sale. Too high, and your property might not generate sufficient interest. A property that is listed for too long will suffer a serious loss of credibility from potential buyers, especially in a high demand market. This will inevitably result in a longer sale, and your other projects will be delayed, and maybe even compromised.
How can you be sure that the value given by your agent is the right one? Here are a few solutions!
Having a professional agent and agency is key. This person will represent your property for the whole sale process. Other than your first impression, you should also look at his sales record. A good agent should be able to manage multiple mandates, but too many open sales will also mean less implication on your property.
Analyse the quality of his/her previous listings. Is the information comprehensive, along with professional photos and floorplans? The agent’s professionalism can be observed through the work he has done in the past, and is therefore a good indicator of your future listing’s quality.
When possible, ask your friends or family if they have had good (or bad) experiences with agencies or agents. Reviews on different platforms can also give you a general idea of the agency’s professionalism. Also, prepare a list of questions you want to ask your agent. Here are a few ideas:
The regular commission in Luxembourg is 3%, and is paid by the seller and not the buyer.
The regular commission in Luxembourg is 3%, and is paid by the seller and not the buyer. This commission rate is similar to our Belgian neighbours, but is much lower than the rates in France or Germany (usually between 5 or 6%).
If a fixed percentage is the most widespread commission method, some agencies innovate on this subject. Variable commission indexed on the sale result, fixed commission, fixed price per individual service etc. Everything is possible, and you should never take “that’s just the way it is!” as an answer. Don’t demand too much though, as the consequence may be that you would receive subpar service.
Whatever the selected agent, it is preferable to sign an exclusive mandate. With non-exclusivity, your property may well be listed multiple times, with different prices, and no agent will have an overall view on all the potential buyers. Exclusivity allows the agent to control the whole process, and to organise the visits in a way to maximise the sale of your property, and generate competition between multiple buyers.
We often wrongly think that non-exclusive mandates pressure the selected agents to surpass themselves. On a market as dynamic as Luxembourg, the effect is often the opposite: your agent will focus on his exclusive mandates where he is certain of his investment, rather than risk working at a loss.
Feel free to negotiate the length of the mandate. There is no obligation to stay with the same agent over the whole sale period. Negotiating a limited mandate duration can allow you to test the professionalism of your agent. You can always extend this period if satisfied, for example if the sale is taking longer than expected but are happy about the professionalism and engagement of your agent.
With this advice, we are certain that you will find the perfect agent for you. Good luck, and good sale!
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