Choosing a real estate agent and comparing fees in Finland

Compare real estate agents by the service included, knowledge of your property, and how you will work together. A commission percentage alone does not reveal the total cost or the work that will go into selling your home. This guide retains the Finnish property-sale context, including housing-company debt where applicable.

Ask how the agent would sell your particular home

Ask the agent to explain the valuation and propose a sales approach. Find out who will actually handle communication, viewings, and offer negotiations. A familiar agency name does not tell you who your contact will be.

Ask how sales progress will be reported. The number of viewings is different information from buyer feedback and the conclusions drawn from it.

Clarify how the fee is calculated

The Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority’s commission guidance (opens in a new tab) advises checking the agreement and total costs. Ask whether the fee is calculated on the sale price or, for a Finnish housing-company property, the debt-free price that includes the allocated company debt. Check for a minimum commission or separate charges.

Ask for written details covering at least:

• The fee including applicable taxes and how it is calculated.
• Photography, advertising, and document costs.
• Costs if the home does not sell.
• The conditions that trigger payment of the fee.
• The duration and termination of the assignment.

Compare several proposals for the same selling scenario. A lower percentage may include less service or a different cost structure.

Choose an arrangement you understand

Ask a difficult question too: what happens if the listing attracts little interest? A reasoned answer may address pricing, presentation, or timing. The highest valuation alone is not enough reason to choose an agent.

The guide to understanding a home valuation helps you assess agents’ proposals. Once you choose, read the entire agency agreement and ask for explanations of unclear terms before signing.

Also agree on preparing the home for photography. Ask what the agent’s service includes, what you will do yourself, and whether cleaning or other help is needed. That prevents the first photo session from being delayed because each side expected the other to handle preparation.