Working with Real Estate Agents in Israel

While it’s possible to buy property in Israel without an agent, the process can be challenging—especially if you’re unfamiliar with the market. Many properties are not publicly listed, and navigating legal, financial, and negotiation complexities requires expertise. A knowledgeable real estate agent can provide access to a broader range of properties, negotiate favorable terms, and ensure a smooth, efficient purchase process. By choosing the right agent and understanding how the Israeli real estate market operates, you can approach your property search with confidence and clarity.

Are Real Estate Agents in Israel Licensed?

Israeli real estate agents must pass a government licensing exam and register with the Ministry of Justice. With the introduction of new regulations in March 2025, the industry is now subject to stricter oversight, aiming to improve professionalism, transparency, and consumer protection. While these changes raise the bar for service quality and ethical standards, buyers and sellers should still verify an agent’s license, experience, and reputation to ensure they are working with a knowledgeable and trustworthy professional.

Why Work With a Real Estate Agent in Israel?

A skilled agent will act as your advisor, guiding you through every stage of the buying process and ensuring a smoother, more informed property purchase, especially if you are not fluent in Hebrew or unfamiliar with local business practices. You can expect them to:

• Understand your needs – Assess your budget, preferences, and goals to narrow down the best options for you.
• Provide market insights – Offer pricing trends, neighborhood advice, and details on zoning laws and future developments.
• Access listings and opportunities through networks, private contacts, online platforms, and collaboration with other agents in Israel’s decentralized market.
• Arrange and attend viewings – Schedule visits, provide property details, and offer virtual tours for overseas buyers.
• Negotiate on your behalf – Secure favorable terms, including price, payment structure, and contract conditions.
• Guide you through legal and financial steps – Assist with contracts, due diligence, and mortgage options while coordinating with lawyers and financial professionals.
• Support you until closing and beyond – Help with appraisals, inspections, and, in some cases, post-purchase needs like renovations or property management.

How Do I Choose A Real Estate Agent in Israel?

Choosing the right agent is key to a smooth and successful property purchase. Since the Israeli market differs from others, it’s essential to work with someone knowledgeable and experienced.

Look for an agent with:

• A Valid License – Before working with a real estate agent in Israel, ask to see their license or verify their registration with the Registrar of Real Estate Agents.
• Expertise in Your Desired Location – They should know local pricing, availability, and community details.
• Experience with Foreign Buyers – An agent familiar with international clients can guide you through legal, financial, and logistical challenges.
• Honesty, Transparency, and Professionalism – Check referrals and reviews to ensure they have a strong reputation.
• Strong Negotiation Skills – A good agent will advocate for your best interests and secure favorable terms.
• Connections to Trusted Professionals – They should be able to recommend reputable lawyers, mortgage brokers, and inspectors.
• Fluency in Your Language – Clear communication is essential, especially for legal and contractual details.
• A Transparent Commission Structure – Ensure you understand their fees upfront and feel confident in the value they provide.

Should I Work With One or Multiple Agents?

Unlike countries with an MLS system, Israel has a decentralized real estate market, meaning different agents can access different properties. As a result, some buyers choose to work with multiple agents to see a broader range of options. However, this approach can be inefficient and lead to complications, such as:

• Viewing the same property multiple times – Many properties are listed with multiple agents, leading to unnecessary repetition.
• Weakened negotiation power – If multiple agents inquire about the same property on your behalf, sellers may see you as an uncertain buyer, making negotiations more difficult.
• Commission disputes – If two agents offer you the same property, the commission is generally owed to the agent who introduced you to it first. To avoid disputes, record which agent shows you each property and clarify the terms before proceeding with an offer.

To avoid these issues, consider working with a well-connected buyer’s agent who can access a broad selection of properties and streamline the process while protecting your interests.

Sometimes, property owners sign an exclusivity agreement (biladiut) with a single agent, meaning only that agent can market the property. In many cases, these agents are open to Shituf Peula (co-brokerage agreements), allowing your agent to represent you while the exclusive agent represents the seller. This way, you can work with an agent you trust while gaining access to properties listed exclusively by another agent.

In such cases, you and the seller pay your respective agents. Sometimes, agents negotiate a commission-sharing agreement, so it’s essential to clarify all commission terms upfront. You should only pay one agent.

If an exclusive agent does not allow Shituf Peula, you must work directly with that agent to access the property. In these situations, ensure you understand whether the agent is solely representing the seller’s interests or facilitating a fair transaction for both sides.

Why Should I Use an Agent for New Construction Projects in Israel?

Many new developments in Israel are marketed exclusively through specific agencies, meaning you may have to go through them to purchase a unit. However, buyers often prefer working with an independent agent who can provide objective guidance, access to multiple projects, and advocacy for your best interests—rather than just representing a single developer.

An independent agent can:

• Offer a Broader Perspective – Instead of being limited to a single developer’s offerings, they can show you multiple projects, helping you compare and choose the best fit.
• Provide Early Pre-Sale Opportunities – Well-connected agents can secure priority access to discounted pre-sale units and favorable payment plans.
• Negotiate on Your Behalf – Developers typically have set prices, but an experienced agent may help negotiate better terms, such as flexible payment structures, upgrades, or incentives.

In most cases, you should not need to pay both the independent and marketing agents. Typically, agents work out a commission-sharing agreement, ensuring you get professional representation without additional costs.

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