Checklist for real estate sales: you should prepare these points

At first glance, selling a property seems straightforward: set a price, create an advertisement, carry out viewings - done. In reality, however, the preparation determines the speed, price and stability of the entire process.

When selling real estate in Nuremberg, I experience time and again: the better the start, the smoother the path to the notary.

So that you know exactly what is really important, I have put together a clear, tried and tested checklist.

1. Gather all the documents together

Without complete documentation, queries increase, financing is delayed - and potential buyers drop out.

These documents should always be available:

• current extract from the land register
• Floor plans and building plans
• Calculation of living space
• energy certificate
• Proof of modernizations (roof, heating, windows, insulation, etc.)
• for rented properties: rental contracts, rental history, utility bills
• for condominiums: Declaration of division, minutes of owners’ meetings, economic plan, property maintenance documents

If something is missing, I take care of it before we go to the market - because this is where most delays occur.

2. Realistic valuation instead of gut feeling

The most important building block for a successful sale is a realistically achievable price. I use several valuation methods for this:

• Market value: the realistic market value under normal conditions
• Standard land value: orientation for the property value in Nuremberg
• Market analysis: demand, competitive offers, marketing period
• Reference properties: Prices of comparable properties that have actually been sold
• Material value method: important for owner-occupied houses
• Income capitalization approach: decisive for rented properties

A wishful price doesn’t help anyone - a plausibly justified price creates trust and ensures stable offers.

3. Clarity about modernizations and condition

Prospective buyers ask very carefully today:

• How old is the heating?
• What is the energy status?
• What modernizations have been carried out - and when?
• What investments can realistically be expected?

The more transparent these points are, the faster trust will be established - with the buyer and the bank.

4. Prepare a presentation of the property

The presentation begins long before the photo shoot. Small measures can have a huge impact:

• tidy up and create clear structures
• Reduce personal items
• Optimize lighting
• Organize the garden, entrance area and paths
• Carry out minor repairs
• Ventilate rooms well

A well-maintained property not only produces better photos, but also creates a better atmosphere during viewings.

5. Defining the target group

Every property has a natural target group:

• Families
• couples
• investors
• singles
• Senior citizens

I classify the property in the Nuremberg submarket in order to decide:

• which arguments are important
• how the exposé is structured
• how the advertisement is formulated
• how viewings are structured

A clear target group ensures less wastage and more suitable inquiries.

6. Exposé with real information

A professional exposé is not an advertising brochure, but a comprehensible source of information.

Important contents:

• Clear description without exaggeration
• complete key data
• realistic condition
• high-quality photos
• comprehensible floor plans
• clear classification of the price via valuation, market analysis and reference properties

A good exposé reduces queries - and increases the quality of prospective buyers.

7. Organize viewings sensibly

Uncoordinated viewings are stressful and confusing. Good planning ensures peace of mind:

• Bundle time slots
• Pre-qualify interested parties
• Define a clear viewing route
• Answer questions in a structured manner
• Give an honest classification of the property

Viewings are not “tours”, but decision-making appointments.

8. Examination of prospective buyers

The best price is useless if the buyer cannot finance it. I pay attention to:

• existing or planned financing confirmation
• realistic assessment of ancillary purchase costs (land transfer tax, notary, land register)
• economic viability of the offer
• clear willingness to make a decision

This protects against sales falling through shortly before the notary appointment.

9. Clarify special features early on

Many properties have special issues that should definitely be checked in advance:

• Usufruct or right of residence
• Current tenancies
• community of heirs
• building encumbrances or rights of way
• Possible relevance of speculation tax (important for certain holding periods - the tax advisor will carry out the tax audit)

The earlier these issues are identified, the less stressful the process will be.

10. Planning the entire process

A property sale is a project. I work with the owners at an early stage:

• Time frame until publication
• desired handover
• Personal situation (relocation, job change, etc.)
• Strategy for dealing with multiple offers
• Preparation for the notary appointment

Any clarity in advance saves time and nerves in the end.

Short overall checklist for a quick overview

Documents: complete?

Assessment: comprehensible?

Pricing strategy: in line with the market?

Target group: defined?

Presentation: prepared?

Exposé: professionally prepared?

Viewings: planned in a structured manner?

Prospective buyers: checked?

Special features: clarified?

Procedure: organized as an overall process?

If these points are fulfilled, nothing stands in the way of an orderly sale.

Conclusion: Preparation is half the sale

When it comes to selling a property in Nuremberg, it becomes clear time and time again:

Success does not depend on luck or chance - but on structure.

Those who start prepared, sell:

• faster
• more reliably
• on better terms
• with less stress

This checklist provides the framework for this - and turns a complex process into a clear, plannable path.

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Read more: The most common misconception about price reductions | Property sales in Nuremberg: How owners gain real clarity from a sale