It’s unbelievable how some (large) real estate agencies treat potential buyers. The housing shortage is shamelessly used as a tool to pit buyers against each other and squeeze every last penny out of them.
Recently, I was in Leidschenveen with my clients as their buying agent to view a property. There were at least eight other viewers in the house at the same time—it was a constant stream of people coming and going. Meanwhile, the selling agent was glued to his phone, barely acknowledging any of the potential buyers.
Then, right there on the spot, they suddenly announced a deadline—a “soft deadline,” as they called it. “We don’t work with hard deadlines,” the selling agent casually mentioned.
Fast forward to the day of this so-called “soft” deadline: incredibly high offers had come in—more than enough for the seller to make a choice. But guess what? The next day, we were suddenly told that a hard deadline had been set. Why? Simple. To push the price even higher, to pit buyers against each other even more, and to push hardworking young couples and families—who are already struggling to find a home—further into desperation and stress.
And here’s where it gets even uglier: some real estate agents receive a bonus on the amount overbid. So the higher the price is driven up, the more the selling agent earns. This is not fair play. This is pure exploitation of people’s desperation.
Of course, sellers want the best price—I get that. But it is the responsibility of the selling agent to ensure the process is fair and transparent. What’s happening here crosses every ethical line and, in my opinion, is completely against the rules and agreements set by industry organizations and the Ministry.
My Advice to Buyers?
Don’t get dragged into these ridiculous games. If you find yourself in a situation like this, withdraw your offer. All of you. Let’s see what happens then.
My Advice to Sellers?
Choose an agent who truly works in your best interest—one who advises you properly and doesn’t just chase the highest price at the expense of buyers.
Luckily, there are still plenty of honest, ethical agents—often working at smaller or mid-sized agencies—who are genuinely committed to their clients. Want to make sure your agent follows the industry’s rules and receives regular training? Don’t just check the agency; check the agent themselves on the NVM or VBO website. Only a registered Register Makelaar is truly bound by these regulations. If they’re not, they don’t have much to lose.
I’ve been in real estate for years. I’ve seen all kinds of bidding wars and market manipulations. I’ve learned to be flexible and resilient. But these practices… these dirty tricks… they enrage me. This has to stop.