Selling a property is one of the hardest things to do in this market. There are buyers about, but they are a “canny bunch” and they are looking for a property that is good value for money. So, what do you need to help sell your property and make it distinctive from the rest?

Price – Do your homework; look at similar properties currently on the market. If they have been around along time, it could be an indicator that they are overpriced. Take advice from a couple of agents to see iftheir valuation is similar to the price you are thinking. If you are moving back to the UK, don’t base your selling price on “what you need ” to buy a house in the UK – it doesn’t work like that! Anyone leaving the UK to move to Spain has done so because it was what they wanted at the time. It’s no good now expecting to get back on the housing ladder where you left off.

For Sale Board – These can work really well, especially when there are so many properties on the market. People that are looking, drive around to see what is available. If anyone knocks on your door to have a look round, advise them to contact the agent. You may think you can do a better deal on your own but, generally that’s not the case. For single occupancy, I don’t usually recommend a For Sale board as the elderly can be especially vulnerable. People will knock on doors to try to “do a deal”. Never let anyone into your house unaccompanied to look round – you wouldn’t do it in the UK, so don’t do it here.

First Impression – When the potential buyers turns up, ensure that fi rst thing they see is a tidy neat frontage. Nobody wants to walk through “Steptoe’s yard” to view a property. Even if you try to explain that it doesn’t usually have all this “stuff” in the garden, clients don’t believe you. They are instantly on the back foot ready to leave. Create a good first impression.

Preparation - Prepare your property to go on the open market. Tidy everything; touch up peeling paint, clear out clutter. Skips are quite inexpensive to hire, so get one and have a clear out. Have a look at some of the property programmes on TV (there are hundreds) and get a sense of what the programmes are saying – it works.

Nobody is an “expert” in this market. We are all adapting to the current economic climate and as we all know, we are currently at a low point economically. A few years ago, we would say that a property priced 200,000€– 250,000€ would take around two years to sell; now it will take longer. Be patient. Do your homework. Don’t try to go it alone and you will have a good chance of selling.

THINGS TO AVOID WHEN SELLING YOUR PROPERTY –
DO NOT :.
1) Keep all the windows and shutters closed, leaving only the front door open to allow the prospective buyers to stumble around in the dark.
2) Allow the dog to greet the buyers – this always distracts them from your house and they only remember the dog!
3) Talk incessantly to the viewer – they need time to take everything in.
4) Allow children to sell the house.
5) Provide an obstacle course from the front door and continue this theme throughout the house.
6) Tell the buyers about all the latest crime / noise / pig farms / dogs / hideous neighbours.
7) Follow the clients from room to room and try to take over from the agent - remain discreetly in the background. Remember – A good agent should be able to show your house to its best advantage.
8) Have curry/hot pot/chilli on the boil as everyone arrives!
9) Have the television blaring at 100 decibels……… turn it off!!!!!!!

Believe me - all of these things and more happen on a daily basis when showing properties. If you want to sell your house, keep it tidy – hide the clutter, make it feel spacious and welcoming, tidy up the terrace, put the dog on a lead, go hungry – cook after your viewers have left and video that programme that you must see………... and finally, be proud of where you live.