01 – How to SELL your Property in Sotogrande

01: What do I need to do to sell my Sotogrande property?

1. Appoint a real estate agent
2. Agree a selling price
3. Collect required documentation.
4. Prepare the property for viewing

1. Appoint a real estate agent

Most people conclude they must appoint and agent. I would advise you choose a local agent, one with who you feel comfortable, find some empathy, is responsive, is not pushy, and most importantly an agent with local Sotogrande experience. 95% of the Noll Sotogrande inventory is directly listed from the vendor. We know the properties well and can directly talk with the vendor. 

Once you have selected and maybe met with a few agents you will need to choose one if you wish to work exclusively with one agent or several if you would like to have your property marketed by multiple agents. Pros and cons should be debated with the agents before deciding. Key to your decision would be the marketing plan for your property and the time dedicated to your property.

Blog: How to choose an Agent in Sotogrande, Spain

2. Agree a selling price

Once you have decided to sell your property you will want to know what price you can achieve for your Sotogrande home. You know what you paid for it originally and you probably have an idea of the value of your property. You may also know what property is selling for by monitoring the market. These are all good reference points, and a professional will also look at these when estimating the value of your property. You may also know how much it will cost to build a new property like yours.

A good agent will also estimate the replacement value of your property and its present market value. By using examples of comparable properties which are on the market, and those which have been sold lately a good agent can provide an accurate valuation. 

When agreeing a price remember it should be a realistic and one that can be defended. 

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Blog: How much is my Sotogrande Villa Worth?

3. Collect required documentation.

All agents listing a property should have on file several documents. An agent who has not sighted these cannot and should not sell the property, either legally as they do not have a written mandate or practically as they will not know the ins and outs of the property.  Required documentation includes:

1. A signed commission agreement or mandate to sell from the vendor.
2. A copy of the original purchase deed and a recently issued Nota Simple.
3. Copies of your ID, passport and NIE Number certificate.
4. A copy of the last IBI (Impuestos sobre Bienes Inmobilarios) receipt. This will have the cadastral value of the property specified.
5. A copy of the last community fee receipt.
6. A copy of the energy performance certificate.
7. Copy of Rubbish charge.
8. License of First Occupation.
9. Community of Owner’s Certificate (if applicable) stating the property being sold is not in arrears
10. Spanish fiscal residency certificate (to avoid a 3% retention on the sales proceeds)
11. Additionally, it is good to have recent copies of utility bills.

4. Prepare the property for viewing

Before Viewing

No property is perfect. Unless brand new there will be some evidence of wear and tear as a minimum, or worse some serious issues. It is important to examine your property critically and to be objective about its weak points, and your agent should highlight these no matter how brutal it may come across. Solutions could be simple such as decluttering, or expensive such as having to paint the entire property.

Also, never forget that most buyers will want the property surveyed. As a vendor it may be worthwhile checking for any issues that could be highlighted in a survey and get those fixed in advance. As a minimum you should learn what it would cost to fix or replace defects and be prepared for the buyer to try and negotiate the selling price.

During Viewing

Soon enough you will have a first viewing. Make your property look attractive and cosy. They say a property that should appeal to the five senses. Sight, sound, sense, smell, and touch. So, to give your property a better appeal and chance of sales success, and over competing properties you should consider making you property, as best you can, appeal to the five senses.  Suggestions would include, having the property well-lit, open shutters and blinds and turn on the lights in those dark corners, stairs, or basement. If it is cold, turn on the heating. If hot, turn on the air conditioning or fans. Put flowers in vases, avoid food smells or have air freshners. If you have a pet keep it away. Pet lovers will be distracted by your pet, and for those who do not have pets it may be bothersome.  Keep it away from the visitors. Remember that some people are afraid or do not like animals. Make sure the property is clean.

Noll Sotogrande offers you both a personalised service and the ability to reach people who are qualified to purchase a property of superior quality. Our objective is to identify the right clients and to present your property in a context that will yield the greatest return.

Let us help you sell your home in Sotogrande!

We are always available to guide you and we can provide advice in your own language if you prefer.

Charles Gubbins.
Email: charles.gubbins@noll-sotogrande.com
Mobile: +34 607 911 661

Stephanie Noll
Email: stephanie@noll-sotogrande.com
Mobile: 34 607 465 383

© Noll Sotogrande Real Estate

Disclaimer: Please note the material contained in this guide is for informational purposes only. This information is general in nature and has not taken into consideration your specific personal circumstances.