In the Dutch real estate market, “early access” to listings is often promoted as a way for buyers to get a jump on new properties. But does this sneak peek truly give buyers an advantage? Here’s a breakdown of what happens behind the scenes.

How Early Access Works for Real Estate Agents

If your real estate agent uses Realworks and keeps clients in a centralized system, those clients may automatically receive a preview—a “sneak peek”—of new listings mostly one day before they go public. Established in 2004, Realworks is the first online CRM specifically for real estate agents in the Netherlands affiliated with trade bodies like NVM (Nederlandse Vereniging van Makelaars) or VBO (Vereniging Bemiddeling Onroerend Goed). Realworks provides agents with tools to manage listings, a mobile app, and the Move.nl platform with a bidding log.

When a new listing is created, here’s how it typically unfolds:

Shared Within the Agent Network: Listings are initially shared within Realworks so other agents in the network can see them. This preview helps agents prepare but is intended as an internal tool for professionals—not as a direct marketing opportunity for buyers.

Does Early Access Benefit Buyers and Sellers?

While early access can help agents gauge market interest, it doesn’t always offer the exclusive benefits some buyers may expect. Here’s why:

  • For Sellers – Public Exposure Matters Most

Sellers tend to achieve the best results when their listing reaches the widest possible audience. Although an early preview helps agents prepare, the greatest visibility—and often the strongest offers—comes once the listing goes live on public platforms like Funda. This broad reach is key to attracting competitive bids.

  • For Buyers – No True Advantage with Early Access

True competition for the property only begins when everyone can see the listing on public sites. While automated sneak peeks can provide a general sense of what’s coming up, this approach may lack the personalized attention some buyers need.

Some agents go a step further, handpicking listings that match their client’s specific needs, budgets, and preferences. This personalized method is often more effective, as it offers quality over quantity and aligns more closely with the buyer’s actual requirements, rather than just sharing every new listing that enters the system.

Is Early Access Misleading?

The term “early access” might give buyers the impression of exclusivity, but it primarily serves as a preparation tool for agents. Once listings go public, all buyers gain equal access, and the competitive process truly begins.

So, What Does Early Access Mean?

For buyers and sellers, early access is mainly an internal preview for agents, helping them prepare listings before they go live. Buyers should stay closely connected with their agents and be ready to act once listings go public. Sellers, on the other hand, benefit most from maximizing their audience through public listings, which is when genuine interest and competitive offers start to pour in.

In summary, while early access may sound appealing, it doesn’t change the essentials of successful buying and selling in the Dutch real estate market. In the Netherlands, “real estate agent” is not a protected title, and membership in a trade body like NVM or VBO is optional. For peace of mind, it’s always wise to work with a local, certified agent who can ensure quality and professionalism in your search—so don’t hesitate to ask about qualifications.

For more information, feel free to reach out to monique@howtobuya.house.