The Different Types of Real Estate Agents in the Netherlands

The real estate industry in the Netherlands employs thousands of people. What’s interesting is that, in most cases, you can categorize real estate agents into specific archetypes. Is that okay? Absolutely! I say the more, the merrier—because it gives us something extra to laugh about.

Let’s go over some of the most common real estate agent personas:

1. Barry Best Buddy
2. Ignorant Ian
3. Condescending Conrad
4. Sneaker Sam
5. Suit-Up Steve
6. Rookie Rachel
7. Old-Timer Tom
8. Bombshell Bella
9. Shady Sean
10. Clingy Chris
11. The Boss

1. Barry Best Buddy

This agent gives fellow realtors a strong handshake, calls you ‘amigo,’ and acts as if you went on a weekend getaway together last week. Barry operates on an informal ‘let’s do each other favors’ strategy. While it may feel like a friendly reunion, don’t be fooled—Barry is always aiming for the best deal for himself. Unfortunately, his bank account takes priority over your friendship.

Barry’s Traits:

• Always a man
• Great at making deals
• Often a flirt
• Always chooses the most lucrative path

2. Ignorant Ian

This agent knows nothing, does nothing, and can’t answer a single question properly. Ian has zero motivation to improve, is currently in real estate school but never actually completes the exams, and likely won’t finish his studies.

Ian’s Traits:

• Extremely young
• Lacks ambition
• Usually just opens doors during appraisals
• Started as an intern
• Will be doing something completely different in four years (probably trying to make money with crypto)

3. Condescending Conrad

This agent is like a vampire—feeding off the blood of innocent victims. In this case, those victims are junior agents. Conrad thrives on belittling younger, less experienced realtors, making sure they always know he’s superior. Every interaction leaves you feeling terrible, because how could you not know something so ‘obvious’?

Conrad’s Traits:

• Has ‘Certified’ on his business card
• Hates anyone without an official ‘Registered Realtor’ title
• Typically male
• 55+
• Overweight
• Leaves you with a horrible feeling after every interaction

4. Sneaker Sam

Sam is the agent who always wears sneakers—whether he’s selling an 800K house, sitting at the notary’s office, or attending a crucial sales pitch. Despite his informal style, Sam’s likable personality gets him a free pass. He’s easygoing, approachable, and has that magic ‘trustworthy’ factor.

Sam’s Traits:

• Always wears sneakers
• Charismatic and well-liked
• Typically male

5. Suit-Up Steve

Steve is the polished, fast-talking agent who is always in a (seemingly) expensive suit. He probably works in a big city like Amsterdam or Rotterdam, uses too much hair gel, and never officially studied real estate. Instead, he perfected the art of ‘fake-it-till-you-make-it.’

Steve’s Traits:

• Always in a sharp suit
• Always male
• Likely overuses hair gel
• Works in a major city
• Has no official real estate certifications
• Master of smooth talk
• Always carries business cards
• Overuses people’s first names in conversation

6. Rookie Rachel

Rachel (or sometimes Ryan) is young and eager to prove herself. She shows up because the office scheduled her to, not because she landed the client. Though she doesn’t bring in deals herself, she works hard and prepares well. Despite being a junior, she often ‘unofficially’ handles buyer representation, even if it’s not technically allowed.

Rachel’s Traits:

• Can be male or female
• Young and enthusiastic
• Doesn’t control her own schedule
• Executes sales deals brought in by her boss
• Officially does sales and rentals, but secretly does buying services too
• Prepares thoroughly and can answer many questions
• Hopes to advance to a higher real estate certification

7. Old-Timer Tom

Tom is really old. He’s been in the business forever, usually still working for fun (or because he has no pension). Conversations with Tom take forever because he loves reminiscing about the past. He’s the opposite of Condescending Conrad—if you respect him and show eagerness to learn, he’ll happily mentor you.

Tom’s Traits:

• Really, really old
• Usually male
• Kind and experienced
• Works for fun or out of financial necessity
• Loves long storytelling sessions
• Has an enormous network of loyal clients
• Enjoys mentoring young agents

8. Bombshell Bella

When Bella enters the room, Baywatch music starts playing in your head. She is drop-dead gorgeous, and you can’t help but freeze in her presence. Male colleagues do anything she asks, while female competitors instinctively prepare for battle. Bella isn’t super knowledgeable, but her charm gets her everything she wants.

Bella’s Traits:

• Female
• Stunningly beautiful
• Uses her looks to get what she wants
• Avoids conflict with female colleagues
• Likely had some cosmetic ‘enhancements’
• Smart and strategic
• Posts gym selfies on social media
• Hasn’t paid for a drink in 15 years

9. Shady Sean

Sean pulls up in an overpriced car—maybe a Porsche or a used Bentley. He looks sharp, acts smooth, and always puts his own interests first. Rules and ethics aren’t exactly his thing, but he honors deals if you play by his game.

Sean’s Traits:

• Drives an expensive car
• Well-groomed
• Master dealmaker
• Ignores ethical guidelines
• Buys investment properties for himself before offering them to clients
• Bends the rules
• Keeps his word if you do

10. Clingy Chris

Chris is the overly enthusiastic selling agent who never gives you personal space during house viewings. He follows you everywhere, constantly talking—giving you no chance to absorb the property in peace. No matter how many times you step back, he steps forward.

Chris’s Traits:

• Can be male or female
• Selling agent
• Sympathetic but overwhelming
• Extremely knowledgeable
• Talks non-stop
• Always follows ethical rules
• Sticks to you like glue
• Only stops when the doorbell rings for the next buyer

11. The Boss

Every region has one or two real estate moguls you can’t ignore. They own mid-to-large firms, oversee countless transactions, and have worked in the field for 30+ years. They are powerhouses—respected, knowledgeable, and constantly working. Though they run successful firms, they often overwork their employees.

The Boss’s Traits:

• Market leader in the region
• Office owner
• Male or female
• Runs a mid-to-large firm
• 40+ years of experience
• Always working (seven days a week!)
• Handles everything from viewings to HR
• Undeniably earned the title of ‘The Boss’

So, do any of these personas sound familiar? If so, great! You now have a fun new quiz idea for your next team outing. Enjoy the laughs—and happy selling!