Sellers are waking up, buyers are also waking up. So how can we prepare for this period if we are planning any moves on the real estate market? This series of articles explores the process of buying or selling residential real estate. This entry is dedicated to houses.
HOME SALE
Start preparing to sell your house by dusting off old documents. For example, a construction project or a real estate purchase deed will be useful. If you acquired the house through a gift or inheritance, make sure that tax issues are settled. Check the current status of the real estate land and mortgage register. The fastest way to do this is through the government portal przegladarka-ekw.ms.gov.pl. Focus on whether you are the sole owner or maybe you have a shareholder with whom you need to agree the terms of sale; whether a third party has the right to your property on the basis of a personal easement or a life estate agreement; or maybe section IV includes long-paid receivables? It is best to remove unfavorable provisions before selling. Some may prevent the sale or reduce the value of the property. In 2023, mandatory energy certificates for real estate were introduced. Until then, they were prepared at the buyer’s request. Today, if you want to make a transaction, you must have such a certificate.
The next step is to physically prepare the property. Broadly understood home staging is involved. Start by decluttering, cleaning and repairing. If something requires a minor renovation or small financial outlay, do it! – Many people think that the new owner will take care of it – yes, but at a properly negotiated purchase price for your house! Why give the buyer a reason to negotiate the price? If you decide to paint, choose subdued shades of white, beige or gray. Going further, remove personal items and personal decorations from view. Imagine your home interior from a furniture catalogue. Clean, cozy, homey, but… impersonal. Replace family photos with interesting graphics, decorate the table with fresh flowers, go to one of the chain stores and buy new accessories that match current trends. Don’t forget about the garden!
Now it’s time to prepare an offer. Invite a professional photographer to cooperate and prepare an extensive and detailed description that will allow viewers to initially verify the property and match it to their criteria. Nobody likes wasting time on phone calls, especially if they are about basic issues! Think about the price and adjust it to the market. It is obvious that the seller usually lists the property for more than the minimum profitable price, but remember that if you overshoot, the phone will be silent. You only make the first impression once, so it’s worth making sure it’s a good one. You can now choose advertising portals and other marketing activities that you will undertake.
You have to be patient. Answer calls from interested parties and real estate agencies. Conduct presentations WITHOUT SENTIMENT, even though it is your beloved family home. Selling a house usually takes at least several months.
OK, you’ve completed the entire tedious sales process and here it is! The only one with whom we managed to agree on the price, terms of transfer of the premises, financing and all other issues. What’s next? Now you need to write everything down. Below is a diagram showing possible paths to take that will be safe for both parties. The scheme does not take into account less common needs, such as a conditional contract.
The preliminary agreement may be drawn up in ordinary written form or in the form of a notarial deed. The latter has additional benefits for the buyer. The final contract must be concluded with a notary. He will show you all the documents needed for the transaction. It will be necessary to go to at least several offices to obtain them. Remember that you must check out all household members for the transaction.
PURCHASING A HOUSE
Start with planning. First of all, analyze your budget. Do you have some cash at your disposal? Excellent! Do you need additional external financing? Check your creditworthiness. Do you need to sell your current property to obtain funds to purchase a new one? No problem. Put it up for sale and look for a new home. Bundled transactions are common in the real estate market.
If you already know what budget you have, think about the criteria for the ideal property. Yes, the dream one. Now sort its features into “necessary” and “would be nice”. This will make the decision-making process much easier. You probably guess that it’s hard to find the perfect solution, but by setting your priorities, you’ll know what to focus on, what you can let go of, and what, if any, you can modify in the new property yourself over time.
Now compare your expectations with the market. If you have not managed to find at least one property that meets the criteria at this price, go back to the previous stage. You need to either lower your expectations or increase your budget.
OK, it’s time for the presentations. Look at properties, but choose only those that really interest you. If you know after seeing the ad that this is not it, do not waste your or other people’s time. Your opinion won’t change on the spot. Also remember not to evaluate a potential home through a sentimental prism. Memories often cloud the vision of the future.
Have you found a house that really interests you? Time to get specific! Look beneath the top layer. Check the land and mortgage register of real estate. The owner should provide you with her number. The fastest way to do this is through the government portal przegladarka-ekw.ms.gov.pl. Focus on whether a third party has a right to the property on the basis of a personal easement or a life estate agreement; maybe there are other disturbing provisions in section III; check whether section IV contains any provisions regarding debt exceeding the value of the property. The next step should be to check the planning documents for investments planned in the area. Thanks to this, you will make sure that your neighbor will not be a troublesome processing plant or a busy road in the future. Also ask for construction documentation. Remember that if the actual situation differs significantly from what is recorded in the documents, you may have problems with obtaining a loan.
Everything’s all right? So it’s time to make an offer to the owner. Take a look at the diagram above, where we have shown the ways to a safe transaction. The scheme does not take into account less common needs, such as a conditional contract. The preliminary agreement may be drawn up in ordinary written form or in the form of a notarial deed. The latter has additional benefits for you. The final contract must be concluded with a notary. He will show you all the documents needed for the transaction.
ONE TIP THAT WILL MAKE EVERYTHING EASIER?
Take advantage of our help, we will carry out the entire process for you.