10 mistakes to avoid when selling a property in Cannes
If you want to achieve a quick property sale at the best price without an agency, it is worth learning about the most common mistakes made in private sales. Here are 10 mistakes to avoid to make your project a success:
- Misjudging the sale price. Both overpricing and underpricing sharply reduce the number of potential buyers and increase the time to sell. To sell on good terms, it is crucial to set a price that reflects market reality.
- Neglecting home staging. This important step showcases your home. Declutter, tidy, repair, clean and decorate to create the “love at first sight” effect during viewings. Home staging is a genuine property-marketing tool that can speed up the sale.
- Hiding your property’s flaws. It is always better to be transparent with buyers and build trust. Otherwise the sale may fall through. Under articles 1602 and 1603 of the Civil Code, the seller must guarantee the thing they sell. In the event of a defect or hidden flaw, the buyer can take legal action.
- Neglecting the seller’s legal obligations. As the selling owner, you must provide the technical survey file. Prepare these documents in advance so as not to hold up your sale.
- Writing a poor listing. A precise, effective listing is very important when selling. An unclear descriptive text does not attract buyers. Highlight the home’s strengths, showcase its surroundings, and use short, punchy sentences.
- Taking poor photos. Bear in mind that photos are your first contact with potential buyers. Dark, blurry photos do not make your listing more attractive. Tip: take photos in broad daylight in sunny weather and use a wide-angle lens.
- Not knowing how to show a property. It is especially important to know how to organise viewings. Make sure the home is in perfect condition to receive visitors. Be prepared to answer all questions and present your property well, with its strengths and weaknesses.
- Lack of availability. To sell quickly, you must remain available to arrange viewings and to answer emails and phone calls. Otherwise you risk missing the sale.
- Not checking buyers’ solvency and motivation. A buyer with a weak file who cannot obtain their mortgage will waste your time and possible offers. Ask about their financial situation before signing a compromis de vente to avoid losing time.
- Refusing any negotiation. Even if your price matches the market perfectly, it is not unusual for buyers to try to lower it. Of course, you should not give your property away — but in some cases, if you have a genuine buyer, it is better to lower the price by a few thousand euros to tip their decision.
We hope you find this information useful.