Micha
Owner and estate agent
"After 18 years, I don't need to sell anything that isn't right. So I'd rather tell you something now that you don't want to hear, than have you regret it later."
From the Spui to the Singel, with a detour.
I'm Micha van den Bergh, owner of Makelaar in Amsterdam and an estate agent in this city since 2008. Whether you're selling your home or looking for a new home in Amsterdam, Amstelveen or Diemen, I'm by your side, from the first conversation until the keys are in your hands. I know the city centre, Oud-West and Zuid best, because I lived there for many years. But after 18 years, there's not much in this city I haven't seen.
My Amsterdam started in 1996 on the Spui. I worked in hospitality there for years, and at Café Luxembourg I met Hadewij, twenty years ago now. In 2008 I became an estate agent, working for a number of franchise organisations. There you're an entrepreneur too, so I experienced the financial crisis up close. That's why I know how it feels when a sale doesn't happen by itself. In 2016 I started out fully on my own.
In the first years I did everything myself. It got busier and busier, and since the pandemic Hadewij has been working full-time in the back office. Today there are four of us, with Erik and Lisa as estate agents. Our office is on the Singel, a few minutes' walk from the Spui. The place where we met, and where we ended up again after a detour.
I don't need to sell anything that isn't right.
Something not everyone realises: an estate agent only earns when a home is sold or bought. When I started out, I felt that pressure too. You need your fee, or you have targets and bonuses, and then it's tempting to say yes a little sooner than you should.
That time is long behind me. The agency is doing well, and I don't need to sell anything that isn't right. If something isn't a good idea, I'll tell you, even if it costs me an assignment.
Not long ago, a buyer really wanted a home where a second bedroom still had to be created. I showed her how difficult that layout would be, and that she'd end up with an illogical home when she wanted to sell it later. On top of that, it was on a very busy road. She chose the other home, in a friendly neighbourhood with shops around the corner, and I bought that one for her.
A true paperwork devourer, from the first conversation to the keys.
With a sale, it starts with advice that I back up properly, so you know where it comes from. Then we take a critical look at your home, because sometimes a small thing makes a big difference. For one of my sales, I advised adding an interior wall to create a second bedroom. Cost: less than €1,000. Buyers look for two bedrooms and would rather not do the building work themselves. Thanks to that second bedroom, the home sold for tens of thousands of euros more. I keep the whole process in my own hands. Erik, Lisa and I take turns doing the viewings, but I keep an eye on everything.
With a purchase, I come along to the viewings. I've completed the training to become a building inspector, so I look closely at the facade, the kitchen and the bathroom. I always tell my clients: all you need to ask yourself is whether you can see yourself living there. I'll figure out the rest.
I'm a true paperwork devourer. Ground lease (erfpacht), owners' association (VvE) documents, foundation risk: I dig in until I know exactly what's going on. I also know listed buildings from the inside, because we've just bought a canal house that's a listed monument ourselves.
You always know where you stand. If something happens, you'll hear about it right away, and in the busy weeks we speak almost every day. WhatsApp is usually easiest, in the evening or at the weekend too.
The gym, a good restaurant and Paradiso.
Almost every day I pop into the gym, and in summer I go for the occasional run. Hospitality never quite lets me go: we love eating out, often near the office. Café Luxembourg and Café Zwart on the Spui, and in Zuid, Café Kiebert and Jack Dish. My taste in music is broad. The Lenny Kravitz concert has always stayed with me, and an evening of Mamas Gun or Young Gun Silver Fox at Paradiso is always good.
Why I still love it after 18 years.
The best moment is still the phone call when an offer has been accepted. You hear the joy, and a new chapter begins in someone's life. Or a seller who's happy with the result and already making plans for what comes next. And cycling through the city every day, past different neighbourhoods, different homes and different people. After 18 years, that still makes me happy.
What you can expect from me.
Micha, at work and out on the street.
Feel free to get in touch.
Curious how I'd look at your situation? The first introduction is free and without obligation. Call, email or send me a WhatsApp message, or book an introduction right away.
Email MichaOr call +31 6 15 02 72 06 · micha@makelaarinamsterdam.nl
Back to the team
