That depends on the individual case. Certain properties (e.g. vacation homes) are in higher demand at certain times and are therefore easier to sell.
Don't sell below value
Selling your house seems easier today than ever before. Well-known online portals not only offer a public platform for every seller, but have also taken on functions that were previously the exclusive preserve of estate agents. However, foregoing the support of a professional often leads to unsatisfactory results. In most cases, the reason lies with the sellers themselves, because for the owners, their home is not just a piece of real estate. It has been the center of their lives for many years and is associated with countless memories. When it comes to parting with all of this and selling the house, many private sellers fail. Their emotionality often leads to unrealistic price expectations and a lack of objectivity in sales negotiations.
Have your property valued
In order to be able to confidently negotiate your price, you first need to know how much your property is currently worth. A professional real estate agent will determine the value of your property, taking all factors into account, or refer you to appraisers who use one of the following three methods:
Comparative value method
A professional building appraisal often uses the comparative value method if there are a certain number of comparable properties for the type of property in question. These include condominiums, undeveloped land, and row houses.
Income approach
In the income approach, the market value of a property is derived from the rental income. This method is therefore used for rented apartments and commercial properties. These include apartment buildings, office and commercial buildings, shopping centers, parking garages, and logistics facilities.
Real value method
If the comparative value method or income approach cannot be used, the asset value method is used to determine the appropriate sale price of your property. This complex method is particularly suitable for owner-occupied single-family and two-family houses.
Is the property value equal to the sale price? The right pricing strategy
Many private sellers often set a higher selling price because they assume that this will give them more room for negotiation. However, this strategy does not usually work. Serious buyers are familiar with the prices. The property is avoided and the owner loses time. If you then lower the price, many other interested parties will notice, because anyone looking for a property in a certain location keeps a close eye on relevant listings. A property that has been on the market for a long time but is getting cheaper and cheaper also makes most interested parties skeptical.
A better option is to set a price for your property that is fairly close to the market value or even slightly below it. This often attracts several potential buyers for the property. As a rule, this approach shortens the negotiation period, buyers decide more quickly in favor of your property, and are ultimately even willing to offer a higher sale price. It is best to seek advice on this strategy from a specialist with in-depth knowledge of the market in your region.
A good price despite defects?
During his last visit, the chimney sweep told you that the beams in your roof will need to be replaced in the next few years. Now you want to sell your house and you know that if you mention this defect, it will lower the price. But be careful: if you don't say anything, you will often have to pay significantly more later on, as known defects are easy to prove in a legal dispute. Instead, it is advisable to record them in writing in the purchase agreement to protect yourself from liability later on. This is why a professional assessment by an expert is so important. This way, owners not only find out the real value of their property, they also get an overview of all defects in the house that they can list in the purchase agreement.
And this is also the most important prerequisite for price negotiations: a confident demeanor. With a professional valuation, you don't need to worry about interested parties trying to push the price down by pointing out defects. You can respond by saying that these have already been factored into the price.
Raise the price with these tips
Modernization
Even if you don't want to change anything about your property yourself, modernization can lead to a significant increase in value when you come to sell. What constitutes modernization is clearly defined by law, as not all work carried out on a house is considered modernization. This includes energy-efficient renovations, the installation of a solar energy system, and measures to improve accessibility.
Minor cosmetic repairs
A property that looks well-maintained and modern is perceived as being of higher quality. The rule of thumb is to achieve the greatest possible effect with as little effort and money as possible. When it comes to interior design, buyers often have their own tastes and want to choose the kitchen, wall colors, and floors themselves, and they factor this into their budget. If the fixtures and fittings in your house are already so worn that they reduce its value, it makes sense to opt for neutral elements when redesigning.
Home staging
In an empty property, buyers often find it difficult to imagine the actual dimensions of the rooms and whether their own sofa will fit in the living room. For those who move out of the property before it is sold, home staging is an interesting compromise. Professional interior designers furnish the property with rented furniture. The aim is to create a neutral yet cozy atmosphere. When choosing a professional home stager, it is helpful to seek the assistance of a real estate agent, who will have reliable contacts. Virtual home staging offers a more affordable alternative in the digital age.
How we can help you
With more than 20 years of experience in the local real estate market and over 100 transactions per year, we offer you realistic market knowledge so that you can relax completely throughout the entire process. Your property will receive the maximum possible attention on the market thanks to our in-house marketing department. With a personalized listing and a property website, we present your property professionally with photos taken by our photographer and, if desired, a 360° tour that allows selected interested parties to view it without even being on sitewith our convenience package, we take care of all the relevant procedures.
Want to play it safe?
Those who do not have much experience in negotiations and are not very familiar with the real estate market will find it difficult to negotiate prices. Buyers can be quite stubborn—after all, it is a lot of money. Only those with the necessary experience will not be unsettled.
We take the time to get to know you and your property so that we can ensure that the entire sales process is stress-free – and, of course, at the best possible price.
Get in touch with us! We will be happy to advise you.