Guide · Real Estate Agents
Choosing the right estate agent
How to recognise qualifications, market knowledge and a fair agency agreement.
Key points
- Define the required outcome before approaching providers
- Verify qualifications and relevant experience
- Compare written scope, responsibilities and extra costs
- Keep decisions and key evidence documented
Licence under § 34c GewO
Anyone brokering property commercially in Germany needs a licence under § 34c of the Trade Regulation Act. Ask which authority issued it.
Local market knowledge
Ask for reference properties in your area and how the agent derives the suggested price.
Agreement and commission
A written agency agreement sets out services, term and commission. For flats and houses sold to consumers, commission is generally split equally.
Talk to several agents
Compare two or three providers and look at how concretely they describe marketing and communication.
Checklist
- Objective and constraints written down
- Comparable proposals reviewed
- Qualifications and references checked
- Scope, timing and fees agreed
- Change process and contact person identified
Common mistakes
- Choosing on price alone
- Accepting an unclear scope
- Using unrelated references as proof of suitability
Frequently asked questions
How many proposals should I compare?
Two or three genuinely comparable proposals are often more useful than many offers with different assumptions.
Are references proof of quality?
They show experience but do not replace checks of qualifications, contract and suitability for your project.
General editorial information, not individual legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and programmes can change; verify the current position for your case.