CI GUIDE AS TO HOW BEST TO PRESENT AND SELL YOUR PROPERTY

1. ASCERTAIN THE COMPLIANCY OF YOUR HOME

• If your property can be marketed as fully compliant it will have a considerable advantage over those that are not
• It is probably the most compelling selling tool a property can have, especially for international buyers.

2. CONSIDER YOUR PROPERTY AS THE ASSET IT IS

• Buying a second home abroad is more often than not an emotional experience; the realisation of a lifetime’s dream
• Displayed well, it will likely sell well.
• There is no place for clutter, children’s toys, laundry, overgrown gardens
•  Nor is there room for bureaucratic compliancy issues may scare off a buyer.

3.LOOK AT YOUR HOME WITH A CRITICAL EYE

• Assess its plus points and be honest about its negative points
• Is there anything you can upgrade?
• Buyers like to see:Think “welcoming”. Think ‘home from home’
  • cheerful kitchens and clean, modern bathrooms
  • Floors that are cleaned and polished
  • Rooms that are fresh and whitewashed
  • Doors and windows that are waxed or varnished
  • Floor rugs and throw rugs that create colour
  • Leafy green plants that make a house feel lived in

4. INVEST IN IMPROVEMENTS

• Whether your house be a modest apartment or a luxury villa, making improvements before marketing it, can make a big difference. 
• Think of it as an investment: the more you spend on an upgrade the more likely you are to obtain the selling price you want.

5. THINK OF SELLING YOUR HOME AS A COMPETITION

• Most buyers, especially international ones, will have contacted various agencies before travelling
• They are likely to have an itinerary of viewings for at least 5-10 properties if not more
• Your property is competing against those others
• The house that is able to tick the most boxes will win!

6. PREPARE FOR THE AGENCY PHOTO SHOOT AND VIDEO

• Preparing for the agency photo shoot is as important as preparing for a client visit.
• You want the house to be seen at its best.
• Use props: set dining tables, put flowers in vases, light a fire in the grate.
• You want your property to stand out from other listings
• Your aim is to pique the interest of a potential buyer
• Your goal is for the potential buyer to organise a viewing

7. SET THE STAGE FOR A CLIENT VISIT

• Most agencies will give you at least 24 hours advance warning of a visit
• Ensure the house is aired
• Open shutters, draw curtains and allow in as much natural light as possible.
• Turn on all lights
• Turn on the central heating if it is cold
• If there’s a fireplace, light it.
• Again, set a stage of welcome and warmth
• Keep in mind that the client’s initial goal is to “connect” with a property
• Your goal is to have the client “fall in love” with it!