Rethinking real estate sales

Yes. Unlike when you hire an agent on your own, Bestag provides you with a neutral second opinion. If, after several months, the agent says the price needs to be lowered, you can check with Bestag for reassurance. If the agent isn't showing much initiative, you have a partner who can apply pressure. You aren't facing the agent alone—and that is the whole point. Ultimately, as the owner, you are responsible for protecting your interests. Bestag helps you do exactly that.

Yes, and that is crucial. A bonus-malus system that is too aggressive can demotivate the broker instead of motivating them. Two case studies: For a standard apartment where all five valuations are close together (e.g., 900,000–950,000), a bonus-malus of 20% can be set. The probability of a large deviation is low. For an old house with valuations between 2 and 3 million, a bonus-malus of only 8% is more appropriate. At 15%, if the sale price were significantly below the estimated value, the commission would shrink so much that the broker would mentally check out and prefer to focus on other clients. They might still say they are motivated, but they haven't been for a long time. And by the time the seller realizes this, months have passed. Finding the right calibration—that is Bestag's specialty.

The five valuations are a key outcome of the Bestag process. They provide a reliable foundation for your pricing decisions and can also be presented to third parties, such as banks, notaries, heirs, or an ex-partner. This is particularly valuable in conflict situations, where a single valuation might be perceived as biased.

Yes. The algorithm compares the price per square meter at which an agent lists properties with the local average. If an agent is consistently below this, it indicates undervaluation—often seen in firms that are aggressive in their acquisition strategy and offer commission concessions. Such agents are filtered out.

We recommend home staging for unfurnished properties, but advise caution when it comes to renovations: painting is usually worth it, while major renovations rarely are—unless you are planning a complete overhaul. You will receive this assessment during your consultation with Bestag and the three real estate agents.

Three tricks real estate agents frequently use: The overvaluation trick: The agent gives you an inflated estimate to secure the listing. Months later, they claim the market has shifted and you need to lower the price. In the end, you sell for less than the property's true value. The undervaluation trick: The agent appraises your property too low, lists it slightly above that, and sells it quickly. They collect their commission, and you lose out without ever realizing it. The laziness trick: The agent schedules all viewings for a single afternoon, puts in minimal effort, and waits for you to get nervous and accept a low offer. The Bestag model neutralizes all three: Our five-point valuation prevents over- and undervaluation. The bonus-malus system financially penalizes laziness. And Bestag acts as a supervisory body to detect when an agent isn't putting in the necessary effort.