Frequently Asked Questions
How can we help you? Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions.
General
No, he doesn’t. The asking price is an invitation to bid, not a deal. Even then, the seller may still decide not to accept your bid or continue talking to someone else.
Yes. Just as you can change your bid, the seller can increase or decrease the asking price – also during the process. Important to know: as soon as you receive a counterbid, your previous bid automatically expires. It is then up to you to accept the counterbid or put a new one on the table.
Yes, you may. If there is a lot of interest, the seller may decide to switch to a tender: a single deadline for everyone to make their best offer. In doing so, the estate agent must honour any previous agreements and communicate clearly about the change.
Yes, it is allowed. The asking price is in fact an invitation to make an offer. You may negotiate on it, but the seller decides whether to accept your offer – even if you offer the full amount.
No. The seller, together with his estate agent, decides with whom to negotiate. So ask in advance how the sales process is set up so you know where you stand.
To Buy
Then we hope you’ll call us right away! A quick chat, looking back, “how was that again?” Do get in touch. We find it important that you know you can count on us even after the sale. Don’t be a stranger!
We walk through the house with the seller one last time: is everything as agreed? Not something suddenly broken, or removed while it was supposed to stay? We note the meter readings and then you sign at the notary’s office. Now you get the keys: congratulations!
As a buyer, you usually transfer 10% of the purchase price to the notary within a week of signing the purchase agreement – or you arrange a bank guarantee. This is a guarantee for the seller ahead of the actual passing of the deeds at the notary. We will keep an eye on this for you.
Only when the purchase agreement is signed and the three-day cooling-off period has expired. Before that, we speak of ‘agreement of will’. So: congratulations, but still a long way to go.
An offer consists of more than just the price: it also includes the conditions and completion date. We determine the best bidding strategy together, depending on the situation.
Sometimes we bid all at once, sometimes we negotiate step by step. Sometimes time is your friend, sometimes you need to move very quickly. We keep a cool head and advise you.
To Sell
As a buyer, you still have three days of reflection time. After that, the sale is binding unless there are any resolutive conditions. As a seller, you have no legal cooling-off period – so think carefully before you sign. We will help you step in calmly and thoughtfully.
You can, but it is not recommended. We always recommend viewing the house first. That way you know what you are bidding on. Atmosphere is essential in a house. And no matter how strong photos can be, you don’t want to deprive yourself of the “front door threshold moment”.
Rather not. Potential buyers often feel freer without the owner present. You make sure your house is tidy and ready for visits – we take care of the tour and the atmosphere.
You can, but it will affect the type of buyer and the price. We will look at the possibilities together and advise you on timing, strategy and communication with the tenant(s).
No problem – this is quite normal. When you sell, your mortgage is first paid off via the notary. The amount that remains (the surplus value) is yours. Are you financially underwater? Then you will face a residual debt. Then we will look for a solution together, together with a financial adviser.
New build
You walk through the house with the contractor. Are there any defects? Is something broken, crooked, not as pre-determined, or not yet finished? You write all this down in a completion report. You sign, and the contractor undertakes to fix any damage or imperfections within three months. After that, you can start working and living!
This is a time when you can come and take a look. You can measure the kitchen, see the window frames so you can order curtains and check whether there are any defects. The house isn’t finished yet, but it’s nice to be able to identify early on what still needs attention so that the contractor can take immediate action.
Once the conditions have been met – such as a sufficient number of homes sold and permits issued – the first pile will be driven into the ground. There is often a kick-off moment with the neighbourhood: cheers to the future!
At the notary, you sign the deed of delivery and mortgage deed. From then on, you are officially the owner of the land (and later the house) and your mortgage starts to run. Payments will be made from the construction deposit to the contractor from this moment.
You receive the Hooray Letter the moment all conditions are met. The permit is in, there are no more loose ends. You receive a letter from the developer: the project is definitely going ahead and construction can begin. Hooray, in other words.
Inheritance
In principle, yes – but we remain accessible. Whether you still have questions, are unsure about something or just want to have a chat: give us a call. We will be happy to help you, even after the paperwork has been completed.
The money arrives at the notary. Who distributes it as agreed – directly to the heirs or first to one person who then distributes it further. Above all, let us know what you like and we will pass it on to the notary.
That depends on who is authorised to sign according to the Certificate of Succession. Is that one executor? Then that one goes. Are there several heirs? Then they all have to sign. This is also possible by power of attorney. We think along with you about the most convenient solution.
When the sales agreement is signed and the buyer’s three-day cooling-off period is over. Are there any resolutive conditions, for example regarding the financing? Then the sale is not definitive until that period has expired.
Good communication is essential. Some want everything in writing, others prefer to call or consult in a videocall. We find it important that everyone is heard and that everyone is constantly up to date. So we make clear agreements in advance about how we set up the process and stick to them tightly.
Divorce and owning a home
Moving house after a divorce is an extra big step. We recommend planning it well – not in test weeks or right before a new school year. Involve the children in time and give them space to say goodbye to the house.
According to what you have agreed in the covenant, or based on the property division. The notary distributes the proceeds (or any debt) and makes sure everything is settled neatly.
On the day of the transfer, you and the buyer walk through the house one last time, the meter readings are noted and then you sign at the notary’s office. There you will also hand over the keys to the new owner.
Then we call it ‘will agreement’. No signatures yet, but a verbal agreement. This is followed by the sales agreement, a period of reflection for the buyer and ultimately – hopefully – a definitive sale.
For example, an ID, proof of ownership, property tax assessment, energy label and questionnaires about the house. We will help you step by step and make sure everything is collected securely and digitally in move.nl.
Valuation
Yes. If you think the WOZ value of your house is too high (and therefore so is your tax assessment), you can use a recent valuation as substantiation for your objection. We would be happy to help you think about whether that makes sense in your situation.
It is often within a few days. You usually get the report within 3-5 working days after the recording. In a hurry? Let us know – and we’ll see what’s possible.
NWWI stands for Nederlands Woning Waarde Instituut. Many lenders require a NWWI-validated valuation. This means that the report is additionally checked for completeness and objectivity. Our appraisers can of course take care of that for you.
Among other things, you will find the market value of the house, its substantiation, data from the Land Registry, information about the structural condition, surroundings and zoning plan, as well as a substantiated risk profile for the mortgage lender.
The average cost is between €500 and €900, depending on the property, location and whether a validated report is needed. Always ask beforehand what exactly is included.
Sustainability
Solar panels require little maintenance. Rain usually washes away the dirt. However, it is recommended to have them checked and cleaned once every few years for optimal performance.
A hybrid heat pump works together with your central heating boiler and is suitable for homes that are not yet fully gas-free. With an all-electric heat pump, you replace your central heating boiler completely and make your home gas-free. This option often requires a well-insulated house.
Definitely! It is efficient to combine conservation measures with a renovation. For example, if you do renew your roof, you can install roof insulation right away. This saves time and costs in the long run.
Yes, an energy-efficient home is more attractive on the market and can fetch a higher selling price. Moreover, a better energy label can lead to lower monthly costs for buyers, which makes your home extra interesting. And: they can borrow more for a property with a higher label!
The payback period varies for each measure. For example:
● Cavity wall insulation: 3 to 5 years on average.
● Solar panels: 6 to 8 years on average.
● HR++ glass: 7 to 10 years on average.
These times depend on your energy consumption, energy prices and the cost of the measures.
