Klariska, Martine & Jan - Real Estate Agents, Poortman Real Estate
When you think of a real estate agency in Staphorst specializing in agricultural real estate, you might imagine old-fashioned figures in corduroy pants with a writing pad and fountain pen. You can delete that image right away. The team at Poortman Real Estate is mostly made up of dynamic, energetic women: ambitious, professional, and ready for the future.
Klariska, Martine & Jan - Real Estate Agents
As the leading name in agricultural real estate in the North and East of the Netherlands, Poortman Real Estate has earned the trust of generations of farmers. Registered Real Estate Agents and Valuers Klariska Kuiers, Martine Kuijer, and Jan Steenhagen continue this tradition with great enthusiasm, giving it a fresh, contemporary twist.
What sets you apart from other real estate agencies?
Klariska: "Our back office is definitely our strength. They ensure that every file is fully prepared, from zoning plans to permits. This gives us as real estate agents the freedom to focus entirely on clients and strategic advice. Additionally, we believe in clear communication and an open work structure. Everyone on the team works together to achieve the best results for the client."
The agricultural real estate industry has long remained traditional, but is now changing due to technology. To what extent are you innovating along with these changes?
Klariska: "At Poortman, we like to stay ahead. In 2019, I took over the company, which also involved a professionalization process. We were among the first to use advanced valuation systems that can directly link data to banks and establish our own database with transactions and references. This makes our reports faster and more reliable. Additionally, we are very active on various social media platforms to reach a wide audience and we will be launching a newsletter 2.0 in 2025."
Is innovation the biggest challenge or are there larger developments at play?
Martine: "The biggest challenge is keeping up with current regulations and their effects. Additionally, the requirements from banks and government authorities are becoming more specific. This demands a lot from us as valuers. Another point is the rapid developments in agriculture. Whether it's about sustainability, manure policy, or the repurposing of agricultural real estate: it is our responsibility to keep clients informed, guide them when needed, and stay up-to-date with all changes. This makes our work dynamic but also requires continuous learning and attentiveness."
What are your ambitions as a team?
Klariska: "We want to further grow the company, but mainly our team. There is a lot of potential in agricultural valuations and strategic advice. With an additional agricultural real estate agent/valuer, we can take on more projects and hopefully expand our branch in Ruinen further. But whatever we do, we will remain true to our core values: providing personal attention and delivering quality."
What makes the agricultural real estate industry an interesting world?
Jan: "Every agricultural business is unique and the sector is always evolving. You not only deal with land and buildings, but also with business models, family stories, and future plans. It's a very people-oriented profession."
Martine: "What I find beautiful is that we are often involved in significant decisions that have a big impact on our clients' lives. Guiding these decisions as best as we can and successfully concluding them is very satisfying."
Traditionally a male-dominated field, your team consists mainly of women. How do you approach interactions with farmers?
Martine: "Honesty and clarity are important. Farmers appreciate a down-to-earth approach and want to know where they stand. Sometimes, you are not just a real estate agent but also a listening ear and an advisor. Knowledge and trust form the basis. And I believe that as a woman, I have the advantage of better understanding the emotional aspect and family dynamics."
What's it like at the office?
Klariska: “Very good! People sometimes think it's chaotic here, but it's really not. It's professional and cozy. Everyone feels at home quickly. It might seem intimidating to an outsider, but there's no need for that. We're all a bit 'one of the guys'.”
Can you give an example of a project you're proud of?
Martine: “One project I look back on with pleasure is the repurposing of a former mink farm. After years of preparation, changing regulations, and a fluctuating market, we were able to transform the location into three residential lots, where construction is now taking place, with the last lot to be transferred next year. Complex land swaps where parties with different interests still manage to make a deal remain particularly challenging and enjoyable to work on.”
So, you have quite a strategic role as well.
Klariska: “Definitely. Take a repurposing project, for example. A farmer wants to stop, but what then? We look at the options: can it be zoned for residential use? Are there tax benefits? We make sure everything is in order, from the permit to the end result. It's rewarding to assist clients with such significant decisions.”
What makes a good agricultural real estate agent? What do you need to be successful in this field?
Jan: “You need to have broad knowledge: from legislation and construction to tax and legal matters. But the most important thing is to be a trusted advisor who listens well. You help clients with major decisions and must always provide strong, well-founded advice. Never say, ‘I think it might be like this.’ No, you need to be confident in what you say.”
Klariska: “And you have to enjoy constantly adapting.”
How would you describe the work culture?
Jan: “We work in an open and informal team. Everyone pitches in where needed; whether it's taking on extra work or brainstorming on a complex case. Our work structure is approachable, making collaboration enjoyable. Trust is really at the core of what we do. It also strengthens us as a team.”
Ready to take the next step? Then get in touch with us.
From left to right:
Martine Kuijer (Registered Real Estate Appraiser Residential and LAV)
Klariska Kuiers (Owner and Registered Real Estate Appraiser Residential)
Jan Steenhagen (Registered Real Estate Appraiser - LAV) at Poortman Makelaars
(photographer: Jurrian Neijenhuis)
[Published: December 2024]
