Selling Advice

Alta Villas offer free valuations without obligation.  Our consultants have excellent knowledge about the market and the sales process.  Should you instruct Alta Villas to market your property, it will be showcased in the most professional manner over a wide portfolio of marketing tools. You and your prospective buyer can easily contact us and we are always happy to welcome you to office on the Arenal in Javea for a chat.

Sell your property FAST with our low cost selling tips.  With some effort and very little cost, you can sell your property quicker and for the best possible price when you:

• Clean until it sparkles including windows! Get rid of lime-scale, cobwebs and any evidence of humidity.  clean and repair tile grout, wax wooden floors, hang up fresh towels and dress the beds attractively. 

• Make any minor repairs necessary – holes in walls, broken door knobs, cracked tiles, torn or threadbare carpets. Many buyers want to move in without making changes, so allow for this.

• Keep the garden tidy. Cut back shrubs and palms, clean the patio and furniture, cut the grass, sweep the terraces, repair broken fences and ensure the pool is well maintained.

• Deal with any bad smells as these are the single biggest turn off for prospective buyers. Don’t just cover them up, fix the source of the smell. Clear drains, wash bins, open windows, air the kitchen from old cooking smells, get rid of furniture that is embedded with cigarette smoke or pet smells

• If you do have pets, remember that potential buyers may be scared of them, or allergic.  Always keep dogs under control and, if they are particularly boisterous, maybe take them out for viewings!

• De-clutter but don’t completely de-personalise. The fewer things there are in the home, the larger it will look, so remove some knickknacks and furniture to create more space. But don’t make it too clinical either; leave some personality to make it feel homely.

• Tidy up any areas that are “dumping grounds” – eg garages, spare rooms.  You are selling a lifestyle as much as a property and it is important to convey a feel of space and order.

• Enhance your home’s kerb appeal. This could mean adding new plants or flowers, painting the front door or replacing the mailbox. Prospective buyers form an opinion the moment they spot the home.  Driving into the driveway and walking into that front door sets the expectations - make them good ones!

• Price it realistically. Sellers often think they should start the asking price high and then lower it later if the house fails to sell. But that can result in a slower sale – sometimes even at a lower price. The first 30 days’ of your house being on the market is always the best activity you’re going to see.   If the price is too high, many buyers and their agents will stay away, assuming you’re not serious selling or you’re unwilling to negotiate.

• Use good estate agents – ones with a robust marketing portfolio and excellent local knowledge.  When they bring clients, let them do their job – they know how to handle tricky questions and to present the property in its best light.

• Easy viewing access is essential.  Homes that don’t get shown don’t get sold!  Serious buyers often want to view with a moment’s notice and if it is too difficult to view your house agents will have to show properties that are easy to get into.  Leaving a key with a centrally located agent that is open all day prevents these missed opportunities.  

• Get your property legal – ensure that you have all the correct paperwork needed to sell your property – eg, EEC (Energy Certificate), Cedula (Habitacion Certificate), all extensions and new works (obras nuevas) registered correctly on the deeds etc.

• Facts and figures – ensure that your agent is aware of the running costs of the property – the cost of IBI, Basura, Community Fees (if applicable) are essential, but average costs pool and garden maintenance, water, gas and electric etc are also helpful.