Why We Don’t Publish Per-Broker Transaction Totals (And What We Share Instead)
When you choose a real estate agent, you want confidence. It is completely reasonable to ask how much experience a broker has, how they work, and what kind of results they achieve. That is exactly why the question about per-broker transaction totals comes up so often. At Spijker Makelaardij, we understand that question well. At the same time, we have made a conscious choice: we do not track or publish cumulative residential transaction totals for each individual broker. Instead, we share information that gives a clearer and more useful picture of the value we deliver.
In this article, we explain why we do not publish per-broker transaction totals, what we do share instead, and how that helps clients make a well-informed decision when selecting a real estate agent in Almere.
A direct answer: why we don’t publish per-broker transaction totals
The short answer is simple: Spijker Makelaardij does not track or publish the cumulative number of residential transactions completed by each individual broker.
That choice reflects how we work. Real estate guidance is not just about counting deals. It is about:
- the quality of the advice
- knowledge of the local market
- accessibility during the process
- a realistic strategy
- careful guidance from start to finish
A transaction total on its own says very little about how a client will actually experience the process. Buying or selling a home involves pricing, presentation, negotiation, timing, legal and regulatory attention, and ongoing communication. We believe clients benefit more from understanding how we work and what support they can expect than from seeing a single career counter next to one team member’s name.
What we share instead
Rather than focusing on per-broker transaction totals, we prefer to share broader indicators of experience, service quality, and results.
1. Our experience in the Almere housing market
Spijker Makelaardij has been active in the Almere housing market for 30 years. Our experienced NVM real estate agents specialise in:
- residential property sales
- purchases
- property valuations
That long-standing local presence matters. A home is never just a number of square metres or a listing price. Its position in the market depends on the neighbourhood, nearby amenities, accessibility, buyer demand, and current developments in the area. Our extensive knowledge of Almere, its districts, and local market developments helps us provide practical, well-founded advice throughout every transaction.
2. Firm-wide sales activity
We do share a recent firm-wide result: Spijker Makelaardij completed approximately 130 residential sales in the most recent full calendar year.
This offers a more relevant snapshot of current activity than a lifetime total for one person. It shows that we are actively working in today’s market, dealing with current pricing trends, current buyer expectations, and current sales conditions.
3. Professional qualifications and registrations
Professional standards matter in residential real estate. Spijker Makelaardij works according to NVM professional quality standards and holds registrations or certifications including:
- NVM
- NRVT
- VastgoedCert
- NWWI-validated valuations
We also ensure that transactions are handled in accordance with applicable Dutch laws, regulations, and NVM professional standards. That includes guidance on contractual and regulatory aspects such as:
- disclosure obligations
- client verification
- Wwft requirements
Where specialised expertise is required, we refer clients to the appropriate professionals.
4. Ongoing education and professional development
Real estate is a profession in which knowledge must stay current. Spijker Makelaardij maintains service quality through constant NVM-mandated education combined with practical experience. The firm meets all compulsory continuing-education requirements set by professional bodies such as NVM, NRVT and VastgoedCert.
That means clients are not relying only on years in the field. They also benefit from up-to-date professional knowledge.
5. Reviews, recommendations, and local reputation
Our greatest recognition comes from the people for whom we do the work. Spijker Makelaardij has built a strong local reputation in Almere, supported by:
- high customer ratings
- positive reviews
- many assignments that result from recommendations from previous clients
We do not publish a standalone Net Promoter Score or a similar aggregate metric. Instead, client reviews and ratings on independent platforms help show how clients experience our service in practice.
Why a total number can be misleading
A high number can look impressive, but in real estate, context matters.
Volume does not automatically equal fit
A large personal transaction count does not necessarily tell you whether an agent is the right fit for your situation. You may be selling a family home, buying your first apartment, arranging a valuation, or navigating a move as an international client. Each of those situations calls for a different mix of market insight, communication, and personal guidance.
Real estate is team-based in practice
At Spijker Makelaardij, clients benefit from the combined strength of the team. The organisation currently employs:
- one registered real estate agent/appraiser
- one NVM real estate agent
- one ARMT real estate agent who is on track to become an NVM real estate agent
That means the client experience is supported by shared local knowledge, market analysis, and coordinated service. Focusing too heavily on one individual total can distract from the reality that successful transactions depend on preparation, responsiveness, and collaboration.
The quality of the process matters just as much as the outcome
For most people, buying or selling a home is a major financial decision. The right real estate agent should do more than complete a transaction. They should help you understand the market, set realistic expectations, guide you through legal and practical steps, and keep communication clear from start to finish.
That is why we place greater value on:
- a tailored strategy
- sound pricing advice
- direct access to the team
- proactive updates
- careful transaction guidance
What clients can evaluate instead of per-broker transaction totals
If you are comparing brokers, here are better questions to ask than simply requesting per-broker transaction totals.
Ask about local market knowledge
A strong real estate agent should be able to explain not just what homes sell for, but why. At Spijker Makelaardij, we analyse:
- current transactions
- price trends
- sales speed
- supply and demand
- comparable properties in the immediate vicinity
We combine that data with daily experience in the Almere housing market to provide concrete advice on price, positioning, and the best time to sell.
Ask how the process is tailored to you
No two clients are the same. Spijker Makelaardij takes a personal and hands-on approach, beginning with a consultation to understand the client’s situation, goals, and expectations. From there, the strategy is tailored to:
- the individual client
- the property
- current market conditions
Throughout the process, clients receive clear advice, proactive updates, and direct access to the team.
Ask about neighbourhood insight
A property decision is also a location decision. That is why we look beyond the home itself and consider the neighbourhood, including:
- amenities
- schools
- accessibility
- green spaces
- recreation
- district developments
This helps create a clearer picture of what a neighbourhood offers, who it may suit, and which developments may influence living experience and property value.
Ask about recent results and sales approach
Recent firm-wide performance can often tell you more than an all-time personal count. In the past year, only one assignment ended without a completed sale, representing an exceptionally small share of total listings. That result reflects our focus on:
- realistic advice
- a well-considered sales strategy
- continuous communication with clients
What this means for sellers
If you are selling your home, the most useful information is not a headline number. It is whether your real estate agent can position your property correctly and guide the process effectively.
That includes:
- setting a realistic asking strategy
- understanding buyer behaviour in Almere
- presenting the property clearly
- managing communication throughout the process
- handling contractual and regulatory steps carefully
For sales support, the costs are quoted after an appointment at the client’s home. That allows the advice and proposal to reflect the specific property and situation.
What this means for buyers
If you are purchasing a home, strong guidance can be just as important as transaction history. A good purchasing agent helps you assess value, identify risks, understand the neighbourhood, and act decisively when the right opportunity appears.
Spijker Makelaardij offers purchase support at a fixed rate of 2,950 euros incl. VAT. We also have experience assisting international buyers and sellers, and we work in both Dutch and English.
This is especially relevant for clients who want clear communication and practical guidance in a fast-moving housing market.
Practical tips when choosing a real estate agent
If you are deciding who should guide your sale, purchase, or valuation, use this checklist.
Look for these signs of quality
- Local specialisation in the market where you want to buy or sell
- Professional registration and recognised standards
- Clear communication and direct accessibility
- A tailored approach instead of a one-size-fits-all method
- Evidence of recent activity and current market involvement
- Positive reviews and recommendations from previous clients
Useful questions to ask in a first consultation
- How do you determine the right pricing strategy?
- How do you analyse the local market and comparable properties?
- How will you keep me informed during the process?
- What is your approach for my type of property or situation?
- How do you guide clients through the contractual and regulatory aspects?
- What can I expect from your purchase, sales, or valuation service?
Related topics worth exploring
If you are researching the right real estate support, it also makes sense to look at related subjects such as:
- how residential valuations work
- what to expect from purchase guidance
- how a sales strategy is built in the Almere market
- what neighbourhood factors can influence value and buyer interest
These topics often provide a much fuller picture than per-broker transaction totals alone.
Conclusion: experience is about more than a running total
The question about per-broker transaction totals is understandable. People want proof that they are choosing a capable and reliable real estate agent. At Spijker Makelaardij, we believe the best answer is broader and more meaningful than a single personal deal count.
We do not track or publish cumulative transaction totals per individual broker. What we do share is what truly helps clients judge the quality of our service: 30 years in the Almere housing market, recent firm-wide sales activity, professional standards, local expertise, tailored guidance, and a strong reputation built on reviews and recommendations.
If you are looking for practical advice on selling, buying, or valuing a home in Almere, we are happy to discuss your situation personally. Contact Spijker Makelaardij for an initial consultation at Marktmeesterstraat 45, 1315 GA Almere and discover what a personal, well-founded approach can mean for your next move.