How to proceed when selling real estate so that everything goes smoothly? Selling an apartment or house is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people, so it is important to be well prepared. The process involves a number of steps that can be time-consuming and mentally demanding. If you handle them correctly, you will save yourself stress, time, and energy.

1. Price estimate

Setting the right price is key. It must be realistic—too high a price will "block" the sale, while too low a price can mean an unnecessary loss. Rapid and massive interest often signals an undervaluation.

The price is influenced by the location, size, layout, floor, and condition of the property. A comparative method is commonly used, i.e., comparison with similar properties in the area. Note: public advertisements only show asking prices, not actual selling prices. Therefore, it is worth getting a professional estimate from specialists who work with price maps and data from the real estate cadastre.

2. How long does it take to sell a property in Prague

The average advertising period in Prague is approximately 3 months. However, this does not include the financing process, contract review, or registration in the land registry. Withdrawing an advertisement usually means signing a reservation agreement. After signing the purchase agreement, the land registry procedure takes about 1 month. The total sale time can therefore be shorter, but also significantly longer.

3. Preparing the property for sale

Before publishing the advertisement, it is necessary to prepare the property. If you have been living there, you will need to sort through and remove items that are not related to the sale.

At least minor renovations are recommended – painting, repairing uneven surfaces, cleaning. A professional cleaning company will clean the carpets and furniture and significantly improve the overall impression. If you have a house, don't forget the garden: mow the lawn, trim the trees, fence, and surroundings.

4. Advertising and presenting the property

The advertisement must grab attention within a few seconds. The description should be accurate and truthful – include information about parking, transport accessibility, schools, shops, and the overall quality of the location. Any inaccuracies will become apparent during the viewing and may discourage potential buyers.

Photos sell. They should show the property in the best light. Poor-quality amateur photos can significantly slow down the entire sale. The presentation should also include a floor plan of the property.

We highly recommend home staging—professional preparation of an apartment or house for photos and viewings. The goal is to appeal to the widest possible range of interested parties, speed up the sale, and achieve a higher price.

5. Property viewing

The first phone calls are a good sign. Prepare the property so that it looks pleasant – air it out, heat it up if necessary, and create a comfortable atmosphere.

Have all the important information ready: housing costs, energy and water deposits, homeowners' association fees, and repair fund.

Questions from interested parties are a positive sign. Don't hide anything and be open about any shortcomings. Finally, explain the next steps – how many viewings are planned and when you will be in touch with the next step.