Tailored Commission Agreements: How We Calculate Your Seller Percentage
If you are planning to sell your home, one of the first questions you will probably ask is simple: what commission will I pay? At Spijker Makelaardij, the answer is never a one-size-fits-all percentage. Our tailored commission agreements are designed around your property, your goals and the scope of the assignment, so you know in advance what applies to your situation.
For many sellers, clarity matters just as much as the final result. You want to understand how your seller percentage is determined, what additional costs may apply, and what you can expect from your real estate agent throughout the process. In this article, we explain how tailored commission agreements work, why we choose a customised approach, and what this means when you sell your home in Almere.
What are tailored commission agreements?
Tailored commission agreements mean that the sales commission is not fixed in advance as one standard percentage for every home. Instead, the commission is agreed individually for each property.
At Spijker Makelaardij, the costs for sales support are quoted after we have had an appointment at the client's home. During that process, we assess the property and the assignment so we can make a proposal that fits the situation.
In practical terms, this means:
- there is no standard commission percentage for every seller;
- the commission is determined case by case;
- the agreement is made in advance;
- all fees and conditions are set out clearly in the proposal and sales agreement.
This approach creates room for a better fit between the work involved and the property being sold.
Why we do not use one fixed seller percentage
Every home sale is different. A property differs in value, presentation needs, target audience, timing and the level of support required. That is why a single fixed commission does not always reflect the actual assignment.
At Spijker Makelaardij, we have been active in the Almere housing market for 30 years. As an NVM real estate agent, we combine local market knowledge with professional standards and personal guidance. That experience shows us that sellers benefit from a commission model that reflects the reality of the assignment rather than an average template.
A tailored structure makes it possible to align the agreement with:
- the property itself;
- the scope of the assignment;
- the expected sales strategy;
- the level of guidance needed during the process.
This supports a more transparent conversation from the start.
How we calculate your seller percentage
The short answer is direct: we calculate your seller percentage individually for each property.
There is no universal formula published as a standard rate. Instead, the percentage is determined after an in-person appointment and based on the characteristics of the property and the assignment.
Key factors in tailored commission agreements
The following factors play an important role in how tailored commission agreements are shaped:
1. The property
The property itself is a core factor in the commission discussion. The commission percentage is determined individually for each home, taking factors such as its value into account.
That matters because selling strategy, market positioning and the sales process are closely linked to the type and value of the home.
2. The scope of the assignment
The scope of the assignment also influences the agreement. Sales support fees are not treated as identical in every case. The work involved may differ depending on the seller’s goals, the preparation needed and the nature of the transaction.
3. The sales strategy
Together with the client, we determine a suitable strategy. Our advice is shaped by:
- current transactions;
- price trends;
- sales speed;
- supply and demand;
- comparable properties in the immediate vicinity.
We combine that market analysis with our daily experience in Almere to provide well-founded advice on price, positioning and timing.
4. The local market context
A strong pricing and sales strategy depends on local insight. We do not look only at average selling prices. We also consider the neighbourhood, amenities, schools, accessibility, green spaces, recreation and district developments that may affect the living experience and property value.
This broader view helps determine how a home should be presented and positioned in the market.
What is included in the cost structure?
When sellers compare agents, it is important to distinguish between the commission agreement and additional sales-related costs.
At Spijker Makelaardij:
- the commission percentage is tailored individually;
- media costs are charged separately;
- Funda listing fees are charged separately.
That distinction is important because it gives a clearer picture of how the total cost of selling is structured.
Quick overview
| Cost component | How it works |
|---|---|
| Sales commission | Determined individually per property |
| Media costs | Charged separately |
| Funda listing fees | Charged separately |
This structure helps sellers understand that the seller percentage is only one part of the overall sales budget.
When do you pay the commission?
Spijker Makelaardij works on a no-sale-no-pay basis for its sales service. That means the agreed commission becomes payable only when the sale is successfully completed.
For many sellers, this offers reassurance. The commission is linked to an actual completed sale, not merely to the start of the process.
What happens if the assignment is withdrawn?
If a seller withdraws the assignment before a sale is concluded:
- no percentage-based commission is due;
- a fixed withdrawal fee applies;
- the agreed media costs also apply.
These conditions are specified upfront in the written proposal and sales agreement.
Why an in-home appointment matters
A tailored commission agreement starts with understanding the home and the seller’s situation properly. That is why the sales support fee is quoted after an appointment at the client’s home.
This consultation is about more than discussing price alone. It gives us the opportunity to understand:
- your goals and expectations;
- the property’s strengths and positioning;
- the likely target group;
- the most suitable sales strategy in the current Almere market.
At Spijker Makelaardij, we take a personal and hands-on approach from the first consultation onward. Clients receive clear advice, proactive updates and direct access to our team throughout the process.
What sellers gain from tailored commission agreements
A customised commission model offers several practical advantages.
Better alignment with the property
A home is not a generic product. Tailored commission agreements allow the fee structure to reflect the specifics of the property and assignment.
More transparency before you commit
Because the agreement is made upfront and recorded clearly, you know in advance what has been agreed, how costs are structured and when they become payable.
Strategy linked to real market conditions
A good sales approach should be grounded in current market conditions. With long-standing experience in Almere, Spijker Makelaardij uses local knowledge and market analysis to support advice on pricing, timing and positioning.
Personal guidance throughout the process
Commission is only one part of the decision when choosing an agent. Sellers also need expertise, communication and reliability. Spijker Makelaardij specialises in residential sales, purchases and valuations and works in Dutch and English, including support for international buyers and sellers.
Direct answer: how do we calculate your seller percentage?
For readers looking for a concise answer, here it is:
We do not use a fixed standard commission percentage. We calculate your seller percentage individually for each property, based on the property and the scope of the assignment, and we quote it after an appointment at your home.
In addition to the tailored commission, media costs and Funda listing fees are charged separately.
Practical tips before you compare estate agents
If you are speaking with multiple agents, it helps to compare more than just the headline percentage. Ask clear questions so you can compare like with like.
Ask these questions during a sales consultation
- Is the commission fixed or tailored?
- What is included in the sales service?
- Are media costs charged separately?
- Are Funda listing fees included or separate?
- When does the commission become payable?
- What happens if the assignment is withdrawn?
- How is the asking price strategy determined?
- How will the property be positioned in the local market?
These questions create a more meaningful comparison than commission percentage alone.
The role of expertise in a tailored commission agreement
A tailored commission model works best when it is backed by genuine expertise. Spijker Makelaardij was founded in 1996 and has built a strong local reputation in Almere, with high customer ratings, positive reviews and many assignments resulting from recommendations from previous clients.
As an NVM real estate agent, we work according to professional quality standards. We also guide clients through the contractual and regulatory aspects of the transaction in line with applicable Dutch laws, regulations and NVM professional standards, including disclosure obligations, client verification and Wwft requirements, and refer to specialised professionals where necessary.
Our professional registrations include NRVT and Vastgoedcert, and we also provide NWWI-validated valuations.
These foundations matter because a tailored commission agreement should sit within a broader service approach built on expertise, compliance and careful advice.
Related topics sellers often want to explore
If you are preparing to sell, it is also useful to look at related subjects such as:
- how to choose the right asking price;
- what media costs cover in a home sale;
- how neighbourhood factors influence buyer interest;
- what to expect from a no-sale-no-pay sales service;
- how valuations support pricing decisions.
These topics often go hand in hand with commission discussions because they shape the overall selling strategy.
Conclusion: clarity first, then strategy
A tailored commission agreement gives sellers something many people value highly at the start of a sale: clarity that fits the real assignment. Instead of applying one standard seller percentage to every home, Spijker Makelaardij determines the commission individually for each property, based on the property and the scope of the assignment.
That approach is combined with personal guidance, local Almere market knowledge, clear upfront agreements and a no-sale-no-pay structure in which the agreed commission becomes payable only after a successful sale.
If you are considering selling your home in Almere and want to understand what a tailored commission agreement would look like in your situation, contact Spijker Makelaardij for a personal consultation at Marktmeesterstraat 45, 1315 GA Almere. We will look at your home, your goals and the market, and provide clear advice on the most suitable next steps.