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. The three real estate agents will each view your property individually, prepare their own valuations, and present their marketing strategies to you. You will get to know all three personally, allowing you to assess their expertise, professionalism, and rapport. Afterward, you decide which agent to hire. Bestag only provides recommendations; we do not make the decision for you. You retain full control over the choice of agent, the price, and the strategy.

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.

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.

Yes. Standard contracts—usually drafted by the Swiss Chamber of Real Estate Agents—are written in favor of the agent. Specifically, we warn against: The minimum price clause: The contract sets a minimum price that is significantly below the estimated value. The agent is entitled to a commission as soon as they find a buyer at this low price. The "target price" is merely decorative. The commission-without-sale clause: "If a buyer is introduced but rejected, the commission is still due." You would have to pay even if the buyer offers only a fraction of the estimated value. The excessive termination fee: Fixed sums of 4,000 or even 5,000 francs intended to discourage you from terminating the contract. Bestag has therefore developed its own contract. The agent only receives their fee upon the successful completion of a sale. No minimum price clause, no commission without results, and no excessive fees.

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.