Expat makelaar
rotterdam, Schiedam & Vlaardingen

Buying or selling a house in Rotterdam, Schiedam or Vlaardingen?

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Are you looking to buy or sell a house in or near Rotterdam, The Netherlands?

 

If yes, I can help you from start to finish.

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Over the past 40 years, I've helped over 1000 people sell their house and over 500 people buy their house in Vlaardingen, Schiedam and Rotterdam. This includes locals, expats and inheritances (yes, I deal with those too).

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I'm an NVM-certified real estate agent (makelaar) and appraiser/valuer (taxateur). I'm also certified by NRVT, NWWI and VastgoedCert. To remain certified, I have to follow courses every year (and do the occasional exam). These ensure my skills and knowledge remain up-to-date with the latest developments, laws and regulations in the field of home sales and purchases.

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(FYI: The Nederlandse Vereniging van Makelaars (NVM) is the largest trade association for estate agents in the Netherlands. NVM agents must meet strict requirements in terms of integrity and expertise and are obliged to join a disputes committee. This offers you, the client, extra security and confidence. They also offer NVM agents, like me, exclusive access to data, software and legal support.)

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What does this mean for you?

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Short: I can help you - if you're looking to buy or sell a house in/near Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

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Long: I’m specialised in providing expats with the necessary guidance throughout the housing process. I aim to remove all your housing stress, so you can focus on other areas of your life, job or business. Of course, I can provide you with advice and tips about living in Rotterdam or the surrounding cities.

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(For information on living and working in the Netherlands, I recommend checking I Am Expat. They've got tons of information and resources. For a hands-off, done-for-you full relocation service, I recommend Dutch Home Hunters, see below.)

 

My style

I value personal attention and service. That's why I work with a maximum of 24 clients - locals and expats combined - per year. As I work alone (with digital marketing and advertising support from my son, a specialist), you'll always be in direct contact with me (email, phone and home visits).

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In case I'm fully occupied, I may have to turn you down or waitlist you. (After 40 years I've built up quite the reputation and repeat business...) In case I cannot help you, I can, if desired, refer you to another real estate agent in the area.

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What I can and can not help you with

 

I can help you with

• Buying (aankoopmakelaar)

• Selling (verkoopmakelaar)

• Appraisal / valuation (taxateur)

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Via my trusted partners, I can help you with

• Photography and videography

• Home staging

• Mortgage

• Insurance (home, car, travel and personal)

• Home inspection

• Energy label

• Notary

• Moving / relocation

• Interior decoration

• Utilities and internet

• Sustainability

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I do NOT offer or help with (suggestions below)

• Rentals

• Full relocation from abroad

• Buying, selling or appraising houses outside of Rotterdam or the cities around Rotterdam. (Area-wise I specialise in Vlaardingen, Schiedam and Rotterdam.)

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- For rentals for expats or young professionals - fully furnished - I trust HBF Rental Services. I've also had a good experience with Expat Housing Rotterdam.

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- For rentals for students: I'm sorry but I don't have a trusted person or company to recommend. Google, Facebook groups and your university are your best bet. Good luck, I know it's tough out there.

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- For full relocation, I recommend Hugo Dalrymple-Smith from Dutch Home Hunters. (We interviewed him, in English, in late 2021 about his services. In case you'd like to know more.)

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- For buying, selling or appraising houses outside of Rotterdam, I recommend using the NVM database of expat agents (makelaars) to find someone who works in and knows the area you're interested in.

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Languages

I am most comfortable in Dutch and English, but can also (and love to!) speak in German and French. I don't use German and French often (unfortunately) so I might have to look up some words, especially technical ones.

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Since you might not understand all the Dutch real estate-related words (and I sometimes need to look up the technical translations), I have created pages with translations in English, French and German. If anything is missing, email me and I'll add it to the list.

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Selling a house process in the Netherlands

 

Below is what the process of selling a house in the Netherlands looks like. I handle each of these for you and keep you informed (email or phone).

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1. Consultation (to understand your needs and wishes)

2. Personalized sales proposal and quote

3. Photography and measurements. Optional: inspection and home staging.

4. Listing, marketing and advertising

5. Viewings

6. Bidding

7. Purchase agreement

8. Mortgage and appraisal (buyer side)

9. Transfer at the notary

10. After service (via partners or with information)

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Buying a house process in the Netherlands

 

Below is what the process of buying a house in the Netherlands looks like. I handle each of these for you and keep you informed (email or phone).

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1. Consultation (to understand your needs and wishes)

2. Searching listings and finding your dream home

3. First viewing (I go with you)

4. Bidding assistance

5. Purchase agreement (the seller side drafts this, I check it for/with you)

6. Appraisal (as your buying agent I'm not allowed to appraise but I can recommend other appraisers)

7. Mortgage (I have trusted brokers I can recommend)

8. Transfer at the notary

9. After service (via partners or with information)

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What other home buyers and sellers say about me

(mostly in Dutch)

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