House sale checklist: what should you consider when selling a house?

Your home is priceless for you. But if you want to sell the property, nothing beats a realistic price estimate. This is crucial for achieving an optimum return. An excessively high sales price can deter potential buyers, while a price that is too low will lead to a rush of interested parties, and at best to lower profit for the seller.

That’s why a good market value assessment is so important. There are various estimation methods that can be used. They are explained below.

First evaluation method: hedonic estimation

Hedonic estimation classifies a property according to various quality traits and compares these criteria with other properties. This method is based on a large volume of data and determines the value of a property using statistical calculations. The costs of the hedonic method vary from provider to provider and can amount to several hundred francs. However, estimation can be free if you use an online tool.

• Advantages: the hedonic method is inexpensive and does not take long.
• Disadvantages: hedonic estimation is not very precise as it does not usually take into account the special features of individual properties

Good preparation is crucial when selling residential property. First of all, the property should be thoroughly checked for defects. Repair or renovate your home where necessary. You should also check all the important components and interior fittings: heating systems, washing machines, dishwashers and ventilation systems are just as important as the façade, the floor or the windows (and window sealings).

Once you have spruced up your property, you can get ready to show the first visitors around. It is important to consider home staging, i.e. presenting the property in an attractive way for marketing purposes. However, there are a few points to bear in mind to ensure that this is successful. They include:

• Clearing up: Chaos does not sell. Move personal belongings out of the way and make sure the interior is tidy. Tip: a vase of flowers will brighten up any room.
• Cleaning: Lime stains and dust will prevent visitors from seeing the attractive sides of the property. Have the property thoroughly cleaned by professionals. This will make it look inviting, and visitors will be impressed by the well-kept interior.
• Lighting: Make sure your house or apartment is lit well. During the day, all the blinds should be pulled up to allow enough daylight in, for instance. Artificial light can help by strategically placing lamps to illuminate dark corners.
• Painting: Bright and gaudy colors on walls are a matter of taste. To show the property in its best light, don’t hesitate to give it a new coat of paint. Classic white or other subtle colors look fresh and can make rooms look bigger.

To guarantee a smooth sales process, you should have a comprehensive sales dossier ready for potential buyers. This will simplify negotiations considerably. It should include the following documents in addition to pictures of the property:

• Land register plan: Land register plans are of great importance for both private individuals and public authorities. They provide precise information about the position, shape and size of individual plots of land, as well as the buildings and infrastructure on them. They are particularly relevant when applying for mortgages and building applications.
• Land register extract: the extract from the land register contains important information on legal aspects, such as details of owners and easements.
• Proof of building insurance: When a property is sold, the building insurance is automatically transferred to the new owners. This insurance offers protection against damage caused by fire or flooding, for example. It is important to note that in almost 20 cantons in Switzerland, buildings require compulsory cantonal building insurance.
• Floor plan: A floor plan provides information about the possible uses of a building. One of the key features is connectivity, or how the rooms are linked to each other.
• Proof of renovation work: Proof of renovation and refurbishment work should also be included in the sales dossier, as it can increase the value of the property. This includes certificates for energy-efficient renovations.

Additional documents may be necessary depending on the requirements and local regulations.

A successful sale starts with a perfect advert that will appeal to prospective buyers and provide all the relevant information. Two crucial elements that play a central role are professional photos and an attractive property description.

• Professional photos are vital, as they can create a positive first impression. They show the house from the best perspective, highlight its advantages and spark the interest of potential buyers. Inviting photos of bedrooms, kitchens, living areas and the exterior give a comprehensive image of the property and increase the attractiveness of the sales offer.
• The property description should be concise and informative. It should not only list the basic characteristics of the property, but also emphasize any special features. Make sure you describe the beautiful garden or mention any specific architectural details. However, stay factual and don’t embellish things too much to avoid sounding fake.

Choosing the right real estate portals for your advert is also important. Opt for real estate platforms that your target group is likely to consult. Don’t hesitate to use social media or to place adverts in local newspapers. A well-thought-out marketing strategy can help your property sell faster and at a good price.