THE RIGHT PRICE AT THE RIGHT MOMENT, WHY?
Ivan Kunev

THE RIGHT PRICE AT THE RIGHT MOMENT, WHY?

Ivan Kunev · 21.12.2023 · 3 min read

Lesson from Selling a Real Estate

Contents
  1. The story: a perfect listing, the wrong price
  2. What happened next
  3. Why the first weeks on the market matter most
  4. How to set the right price
  5. Mistakes that cost sellers money
  6. When is the right moment to sell
  7. The takeaway
The right price when selling a property

Selling a property is a complex and delicate process that requires careful planning and a clear strategy. You can have a lovely property, good photos and a strong description – and still lose thousands of euros because of one single decision: the price you start with.

Today I will tell you the story of a seller who chose to ignore market conditions and lost a significant amount of money as a result.

The story: a perfect listing, the wrong price

The case comes from the holiday property market around Sunny Beach. The owner was determined to sell and had done many of the necessary steps – the property was well presented, the ad was clean, with attractive photos and well-described advantages. Everything looked good except one important thing – the price.

The property was put on the market at a price 10–15 thousand euros above its market value.

What happened next

The move was risky and it hurt the interest in the offer. In the first months there were no serious enquiries or viewing requests. Potential buyers saw the higher price and simply passed by.

When the owner realised things were not going as expected, he started to reduce the price. Interested buyers gradually appeared, but it was already hard to recover the lost first wave of interest.

In the end, after several failed negotiations and a sudden financial emergency, the seller was forced to sell below market value. Instead of reaching the potential he could have achieved with the right price, he sold at a loss of almost 10,000 euros.

Why the first weeks on the market matter most

A property gets the most attention right after it is listed. Active buyers and the agents working with them watch new offers and react quickly. If the price is realistic, this is when the most serious enquiries come.

If the price is too high, that first wave passes without results. The listing goes stale, buyers start wondering what is wrong with the property, and every following price cut looks like a sign of weakness. The seller loses negotiating power – the opposite of what the higher price was meant to achieve.

How to set the right price

  • Compare with properties that actually sold – not asking prices, but the prices at which similar properties in the same complex or area really sold.
  • The property's features – floor, view, orientation, condition, furniture and the size of the maintenance fee.
  • The documents – clear ownership, Act 16 and no outstanding debts make the sale easier and support the price.
  • The competition – what other properties are on offer right now and at what prices.
  • A reasonable margin for negotiation – a small buffer is normal, but an inflated price drives buyers away before the first conversation.

Mistakes that cost sellers money

  • Setting the price based on what you paid or how much money you need, rather than on the market.
  • Comparing only with asking prices, which are often higher than real deals.
  • Changing the price often in small steps.
  • Weak photos, an incomplete description or missing documents.
  • Deciding to sell at the last minute, under financial pressure.

When is the right moment to sell

The right moment is when the property is prepared, the documents are in order and the price is realistic. Spring and summer bring more buyers to the coast, but serious buyers search all year round. Most importantly, do not wait until you are forced to sell – by then negotiations are no longer in your favour.

The takeaway

Any thoughtless step can have serious consequences. In real estate it is essential to analyse market trends and set the right price at the right time. Selling a property is an investment in your future, and the right way goes through the right price.

Do not rush, do not ignore market dynamics, and always consult professionals to avoid losses.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find out the market value of my property?

Through a comparative analysis of actual sales of similar properties in the same area or complex, taking into account condition, floor, view and documents. We can prepare such a valuation free of charge.

Can I start with a higher price and lower it later?

It is risky. Interest is highest in the first weeks after listing. A high price drives buyers away exactly then, and later price cuts raise doubts and weaken your position in negotiations.

How much room for negotiation should I leave in the price?

A small, reasonable buffer is usually enough. A price far above market value simply gets no enquiries.

What should I do if my property gets no enquiries for a long time?

Review the price against real sales, as well as the photos, the description and the documents. One well-founded adjustment is often better than several small price cuts.

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