If you start looking for a house in the Netherlands, you may have come across the term ""silent sale"". What does it actually mean? Silent sales refer to the sale of homes that are not publicly advertised, meaning they are not listed on real estate websites or in newspapers. Instead, they are marketed by word of mouth or exclusively to a select group of potential buyers. In this article, we will explore what a silent auction is, why it exists and how to find homes sold through this channel.
What is silent selling?
Silent selling is a common practice in the Dutch housing market, especially for high-end homes that require discretion. It allows sellers to keep their homes off the public market while still finding potential buyers through personal networks or real estate agents. It can also be a way for sellers to test the market and see what kind of offers they can get without committing to a public sale.
Why does silent selling exist?
There are several reasons why sellers opt for silent sales. First, it may be that they want to protect their privacy and not have potholes during viewings. Second, they may want to create an exclusive image for their home and offer it only to a select group of potential buyers. Third, they may want to sell their home quickly without public exposure.
How do I find homes selling in the silent auction?
Finding homes for sale on the quiet can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Here are some ways to get started:
#1 Ask around in your personal network
If you are looking to buy a home, ask friends, family and colleagues if they know anyone who wants to sell their home. It may be that someone in your network already knows of a home that meets your needs.
#2 Engage a real estate agent
Many real estate agents have a network of sellers who are selling their homes through silent sales. If you hire a real estate broker, he or she can put you in touch with these sellers.
#3 Search online
Although homes sold through silent auction are not publicly advertised, there are still some online platforms on which they can be found. These platforms offer exclusive access to homes that are not publicly advertised for sale.
#4 Check local real estate ads
Although silent sales do not always involve newspaper or magazine ads, you can still try looking at local real estate ads. There are still sellers who want to advertise their property in local newspapers. They may also be looking for a quick sale and do not want to take the time to hire a real estate agent.
#5 Visit open houses
Although silent sale homes are not publicly advertised, you can still try to visit open houses. If you are at an open house, you can ask the seller if they have any other homes that are not on the market.
Silent sales are an interesting phenomenon in the Dutch housing market that can benefit both sellers and buyers. If you are looking to buy a home, it can be useful to research whether there are homes on silent sale that meet your needs. Just make sure you know the market value of comparable homes in the area before making an offer, and consider hiring a real estate agent to help you negotiate the price.
With a little effort and patience, you can find the home of your dreams through silent sales.
