Steps to prepare your property for a fast sale
Preparing to sell your home in Spain? The process can be streamlined with the right preparation. Working closely with your real estate agent, lawyer, and accountant, you can create a smooth and attractive selling process. Here’s a breakdown of the essential steps:
1. Complete all necessary paperwork
Ensure that all property documents are up-to-date and accurate. This includes:
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- Fully licensed and registered extensions for an accurate property description.
- Consistency between the Catastral record and the Nota Simple.
- A Technical Inspection Report (ITE) if required, especially for older properties.
- An Energy Certificate (CEE) registered with the Regional Authority.
- Appeal the Reference Value if it’s higher than your asking price.
- Obtain a mortgage valuation estimate from a broker.
Additionally, prepare recent invoices for property-related expenses (e.g., IBI, Basura, utilities, and maintenance) to give buyers a clear view of ongoing costs.
2. Address building survey recommendations
A building survey or home inspection report identifies any necessary repairs or upgrades. Decide which issues to address, such as:
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- Fixing major defects or leaving minor ones for the buyer.
- Implementing practical improvements suggested in the CEE to enhance the energy rating.
3. Prepare the House for Viewings
Home staging is crucial to make a great first impression. Tips include:
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- Home staging advice and do what’s recommended – within reason.
- Set a warm, inviting atmosphere with fresh coffee brewing and appropriate temperature settings.
4. Conduct a Market Analysis
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- Price your property realistically to avoid it lingering unsold on the market.
- Research comparable properties in your area to ensure your pricing is competitive.
- By positioning your property correctly, you can avoid delays and attract serious buyers.
Selling a home successfully involves creating confidence in buyers, addressing necessary documentation, and presenting your home in its best light.
- Can take a long time, but better that it’s done before buyers are lost due to delays and the house gets a ‘difficult to sell’ reputation.
- Hand a copy of the report to each viewer as it will reassure them that they know exactly what they are buying. Many buyers expect them as they must be provided by law in many Northern European countries, including Scotland.
- Smile, and create a homely, sophisticated, confident atmosphere.
- Check on the internet for comparable properties, lots of them and decide where your house fits in.