So, your life is moving into a new phase, or the family no longer want to spend Christmas together in the chalet, or the time has come to spend some of the cash tied up in your property. The decision to sell your ski chalet can have any number of triggers, but whatever the reason, let’s assume you have reluctantly decided to put your much loved ski property on the market. Hopefully with us at Alpine Property.
Selling your chalet in the Alps is one of those things most people do just once in a lifetime. Unfortunately, it’s also one of those things where practise makes perfect. So, what are the dos and don’ts of putting your property on the market in France?
Most important of all…………..
DO price the property realistically. First take a look at similar properties for sale with Alpine Property to guage current asking prices, then decide on a price for your property which will represent good value relative to the other properties. Paradoxically this way you will almost invariably achieve a higher price. Let me explain. Properties which are priced realistically sell very quickly and often a deal is struck within a month. Properties which are priced too highly only sell after sitting for a long time on the market and undergoing a series of painful price reductions. The reason for this is that buyers watch websites like ours at Alpine Property constantly and are surprisingly clever at identifying properties which have been for sale for some time. These properties are perceived to have something wrong with them and are unattractive to a buyer. Buyers, like early birds seeking a juicy worm, are instintctively drawn to properties which are new on the market. Thus there is a brief window of opportunity to get the best price for your property when it first goes on the market. price the property too highly and that opportunity is lost. Our agents are experienced in the prices actually being achieved in the market and will be very happy to advise you on a realistic price. Take a look at our Sell Property page for more practical advice
DON’T Listen to an agent who suggests testing the market with a price at the top end of the price range you had in mind. His strategy is to get your property onto his books first and worry about selling it later. he will no doubt come back to you in three months time and suggest a substantial price reduction. By this time your property will be stale.
DO List the property with more than one agent. Obviously we would prefer you to use just one, us! However, in France it is more normal to use at least two agents. We are used to it and accept that a local agent will complement our more international reach well. It costs no more as you only pay the agent who sells the place.
DO make every effort to help us present the property well. The property photographs we take are obviously vital. We use the best equipment to produce good quality views including chalet 360 degree virtual tours, but it’s up to you to ensure the chalet is clean and tidy. The same applies when we make visits. Buyers will only buy an untidy or dirty chalet if it is being sold at a substantial discount.
DO make sure that you are clear as to your Capital Gains Tax liability. Our website has some good pointers on this and other taxes related to property sale and purchase in our French property sellers tax guide. However a visit to a local accountant or Notaire is a must if you are not sure where you stand.
DO Give us the opportunity to sell your property !
