1. Wrong listing price
"I made a big mistake by listing my property at the full value from the beginning. When my agent adjusted the listing price, I was flooded with offers!" – T. H.
Choosing the right listing price is one of the most crucial factors determining the success or failure of a property sale. A price that is too high can deter potential buyers and slow down the selling process because there aren't enough interested parties. Conversely, if you set the listing price too low, you risk selling the property below its actual value.
A professional pricing strategy is therefore essential. At Neho, customers receive both an instant online valuation and a professional on-site valuation from an experienced local agent. Thanks to his or her understanding of the local market and the valuation, he or she will suggest the pricing strategy that best suits the property for sale. It's important to note that the optimal listing price is not simply taking the property's value; instead, it's all about choosing a clever compromise in order to make the property as attractive as possible to potential buyers.
2. Trying to do everything by yourself
"I've now sold my second property already. The first time, I did everything myself. The second time, I hired a real estate agent, and the whole process went much smoother. He took care of almost everything for me." – P. R.
It's of course perfectly possible to sell a property on your own. However, many sellers underestimate the time and expertise required for a successful property sale. Here are some common problems when selling without an agent:
- Underestimating the time commitment: Few private homeowners have the time to manage a sale as comprehensively as a real estate agent could. This includes managing and screening potential buyers and creating sales documents, among other tasks.
- Lack of market knowledge: Most sellers are not real estate experts themselves. When you hire a real estate agent, you benefit from having your sale handled by an expert who knows the local real estate market and can suggest the appropriate selling strategy for your property based on their experience.
- Legal uncertainties: What information should be included in an advertisement? What fees and taxes are incurred during the sale? Is the purchase contract legally sound? A real estate agent will assist you with these and other questions, ensuring that there is no legal wiggle room in the sales documentation and purchase contract.
- Lack of negotiation skills: Do not underestimate the advantage of having a professional by your side during price negotiations. In many cases, a real estate agent will be able to secure a higher price for your property than you could on your own.
3. Overpaying for your real estate agent
"Why do real estate agent charge so much?" – F. U.
Traditional real estate in Switzerland agents charge a high commission when selling a property, typically around 3% of the selling price. Given today's property prices, this usually amounts to about 30000 to 50000 Swiss Francs.
Many homeowners rightfully find this excessive, especially considering that property prices, and thus real estate agents' commissions, have doubled over the past ten years, while the actual workload required to sell a property has decreased due to digitalisation.
When you sell with Neho, you pay a fixed fee regardless of the property's value. This means that customers receive the same brokerage services, including valuation, creation of sales documents, negotiations with potential buyers on your behalf, and support until the competion of the sale before a notary, all while saving an average of 25000 Swiss Francs compared to traditional real estate agencies!
4. Poor marketing
"If I'm paying for a real estate agent, the photos and presentation of my house had best be flawless." – K. A.
When selling your property, a high-quality presentation is one of the most critical aspects. Put yourself in the buyer's shoes: What would you think if a listing showed poorly lit cellphone photos of a messy house?
It's advisable to hire a real estate agent to have your property advertised, but whom to choose? After all, when it comes to the quality of property marketing, the offers differ significantly, as many traditional real estate agencies are still way behind the curve. The quality of the photography often leaves much to be desired, and almost no one offers 360-degree shots or virtual tours anyways. This seems like a huge oversight, especially considering that nowadays, the vast majority of buyers first come across their future property on online portals.
Compared to traditional agencies, Neho places a much stronger emphasis on comprehensive property marketing. A high-quality listing with Neho includes HD photos taken by a professional real estate photographer, 360-degree shots, and a virtual tour, providing a unique and authentic insight into the property. Current floor plans are also included in the price. By publishing the listing on our buyer platform and on over 30 national and international real estate portals, we are able to reach the largest number of buyers possible.
