Three Factors for a Successful Sale

1. The presentation: you only get one chance to make a first impression

A buyer forms an opinion within a matter of minutes, often even before they step inside. Professional photographs, a well-presented property and optimal lighting all play a part in determining the number of viewings and the level of interest. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is just as important today as location was ten years ago: a favourable certificate puts buyers at ease and speeds up the decision-making process. A tidy home and a neutral interior help buyers to visualise themselves living there more easily, without being distracted by personal touches that do not suit their taste.

2. Timing: less straightforward than you might think

It is not the calendar, but the preparation that makes the difference. A property put on the market too early – before all the documents are available or minor works have been carried out – immediately loses credibility. Bear in mind: not every renovation increases the value. Some work costs more than it ultimately yields. Setting the asking price too high – even by a few per cent – deters initial viewings at the very moment when interest is at its peak and can ultimately cost more than a correct valuation from the outset.

3. Guidance: this really makes all the difference

Between the valuation and the signing of the contract, there are many steps where experience makes all the difference: a thorough screening of prospective buyers, efficient scheduling of viewings, strong negotiations that protect the seller’s interests, and smooth coordination with the
solicitor. It is precisely these unseen details that explain why comparable properties are sometimes sold under very different terms.

The key to a successful sale

Engel & Völkers offers you a no-obligation valuation of your property, followed by a bespoke sales strategy. Please get in touch with our advisers in East Flanders. We’d be happy to explore the options with you.