Market price assessment instead of a wishful price
The starting point is the question of what price can be achieved on the market. For this purpose, we prepare a market price assessment based on location, condition, size, fittings and comparable offers in the region. This assessment is not a market value appraisal by a publicly appointed or certified expert. If such an appraisal is required, for instance for a court or the tax office, we refer you to an expert.
A price set too high frequently means that a property remains on the market for a long time and must later be reduced considerably. An objectively justified asking price, by contrast, builds trust among prospective buyers.
Open or discreet marketing
Not every owner wishes to see their property publicly listed on portals. A typical reason for discreet marketing is an occupied house whose residents should not be visited by the curious. In this case, we approach registered prospective buyers in a targeted manner and disclose the address only after an initial consultation and with your consent. We decide together which approach makes sense, depending on the property and your personal situation.
Compiling complete documents
Serious buyers and their banks expect complete documents. If anything is missing, the sale is delayed. We help obtain the documents from public authorities, the property management and the land registry, insofar as you authorise us to do so.
- current land register extract and cadastral map
- floor plans, sections, calculation of living space, building specification
- energy performance certificate under the Gebäudeenergiegesetz (GEG – German Buildings Energy Act)
- for condominiums: declaration of division, minutes of the owners' meetings, budget plan, statement of the service charge (Hausgeld)
- for let properties: tenancy agreements and a schedule of rental income
Exposé, viewing and proof of creditworthiness
The exposé is the written property description with photos, floor plans and the key figures. It is intended to inform accurately and to embellish nothing. Under the Gebäudeenergiegesetz (German Buildings Energy Act), the energy performance certificate must be presented to prospective buyers at the latest at the viewing.
We prepare viewings and conduct them on your behalf. Before things become serious, we ask prospective buyers for proof of creditworthiness, as a rule a financing confirmation from their bank or proof of equity. This spares you notary appointments with buyers who ultimately cannot raise the purchase price.
Notarial contract and handover
A contract for the purchase of land requires notarial certification (§ 311b Abs. 1 BGB – Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch, German Civil Code). We coordinate the draft contract with the buyer and the notary and ensure that questions are clarified before the appointment. The notary arranges for the entry of a priority notice of conveyance and gives notice of when the purchase price is due.
For the handover, we prepare a handover report recording meter readings, keys and the condition established. The transaction is thus properly documented for both parties.
Frequently asked questions
Does your market price assessment replace an appraisal?
No. It is a well-founded assessment of the price achievable on sale, but not an expert appraisal. Such appraisals are prepared only by suitably qualified experts.
Do I need an energy performance certificate to sell?
As a rule, yes. The Gebäudeenergiegesetz (German Buildings Energy Act) requires the energy performance certificate to be presented at the latest at the viewing and handed over to the buyer. Exceptions apply to certain types of building, such as listed buildings.
Who chooses the notary?
Customarily the buyer proposes the notary, since the buyer as a rule bears the notary's fees. However, this is a matter for agreement between the contracting parties.
When do I receive the purchase price?
The purchase price becomes due when the notary confirms the conditions agreed in the contract, for instance the registration of the priority notice of conveyance in favour of the buyer.