The more extensive an advertising campaign is, the better the results it will generally achieve. On the other hand, more advertising naturally also means more time, energy and costs.

Of course, it is important that the exposé is prepared accurately. An attractive and high-quality exposé will attract significantly more potential buyers.

Checklist - ways to advertise a property 

Online advertising strategies

• Internet portals
• Social-Media

Offline advertising strategies

• Newspaper advertisements
• Sales signs
• Neighborhood letters/direct contacts
• Flyer

Online advertising strategy:

1) Internet portals

Nowadays, the Internet forms the basis of every real estate search. All important information is presented in a simplified manner and at a glance. The content of various portals can in turn be shared directly online. The reach that is achieved here is very large.

Advantages: Reach, long-term, flexible ad format, videos, texts, photos, etc.

Disadvantages: No personal initial contact

Offline advertising strategies:

1) Newspaper advertisements

Newspapers also offer a high reach, i.e. they inform as many potential buyers as possible about the first and most important key data of a property, with the subsequent option of further information. However, newspapers only cover a certain part of the population. Therefore, attention should be paid to the selection and chosen wisely.

Advantages: Data protection, specific target group (especially older people)

Disadvantages: Limited reach, fewer and fewer people read the newspaper, only short-term advertising, Display one-sided

2) Sales signs

Interested parties may notice a real estate offer by chance as they pass by the property for sale. Potential buyers are often located at future destinations, so a sales sign often appeals directly to the right target group, so it should not be overlooked. At the same time, potential buyers can immediately get a first impression of the property.

Advantages: Cost-effective, targeted environment

Disadvantages: Not discreet, short range

3) Neighborhood letters/direct contacts

Potential buyers often search in the immediate vicinity. This means that there is a good chance that a potential buyer is looking for a new property in the immediate vicinity. However, this option naturally involves a little more effort.

Advantages: Cost-effective, direct approach

Disadvantages: Limited range

2. Viewing an apartment/flat: How do I achieve an optimal presentation?

The most important facts at a glance

• Properly maintaining your property both inside and out
• Preparation of the necessary documents
• Preparation for possible questions during the house/flat inspection
• Properly maintaining your property both inside and out

It goes without saying that the property for sale must be presented in a clean condition and there should be no unnecessary items lying around. Then, according to experts, the selling price can be increased by as much as 5 to 15 percent. In order to be able to show prospective property buyers viewing a house the most attractive property possible, homeowners should consider the following:

The outdoor area:

1) Pavement/footpath and exterior façade: Weeds, greenery or overgrowth on concrete surfaces and paved paths should be removed. Possible tripping hazards, especially on paths or stairs, pose a danger and should also be removed. This can be done by repairing stair railings or steps.

2) Entrance area: Good, functional lighting is particularly important in the darker months of the year. Details such as the doorbell, letterbox or even the nameplate should look clean and appealing.

3) Veranda, terrace, loggia, outdoor seating area: The overall appearance can be made more appealing with flower boxes or plants. The healthy condition of the plants and flowers as well as the overall condition of the area should be taken into account.

4）Green area/garden: The lawn should be mowed and dark areas should be reseeded. Hedges and shrubs can be trimmed and green areas or flower beds cleared of unsightly weeds or leaves.

5）Covered parking space: Damaged or weathered components such as leaking roofing or chipping paint etc. should be replaced or repaired.

6） Unnecessary, especially private accessories should be removed or put away. Unsightly objects such as garbage cans should preferably be stored in the garage or behind a suitable cover.

The indoor area:

1) As a general rule: Cleanliness and a well-maintained condition convey a good impression. This means cleaning the windows without streaks and freshly washing all curtains. As much natural daylight as possible through open curtains and blinds generally makes a bright and friendly impression. Clever lighting, possibly in addition to daylight, not only makes rooms look inviting, but also larger.

2) Decoration, personal items: Private and intimate objects and accessories such as photos or personal decorative items should be removed before a house viewing in order to create a neutral impression.

3) Wliving room and bedroom: If you want a room to appear larger, it is important to minimize the amount of large, heavy furniture. Opening curtains floods a room with light and also makes it appear larger. Decorative accessories as well as everyday items such as an ironing board should be stowed away. Beautiful bedspreads also enhance the look of beds.

4) Dining area and kitchen: If the fitted kitchen is also sold, care should be taken to ensure that all cupboards, shelves and drawers are clean. The surfaces should also be in perfect condition. The fronts and worktops, as well as electrical and household appliances such as the oven or fridge, should be thoroughly cleaned.

5) Bathroom/guest WC: Particular attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the sanitary facilities. Attention should be paid to removing dirt, soap residue or limescale deposits. Older shower curtains or toilet seats etc. should preferably be replaced with newer, clean items. To prevent unpleasant odors, the room should be well ventilated. Use neutral room fragrances.

6) Storage/cellar rooms, storeroom: Here too, trip hazards such as furniture or toys need to be removed. If the storage rooms are tidy, they appear larger. Dirt in the cellar or attic caused by cobwebs or dust should be removed. Ensure good lighting. Access to the supply boxes (water, electricity, gas) must be unobstructed.

7) Keeping pets: Leftover food, crumbs and chewing bones can cause unpleasant odors and should therefore be removed. Pet hair on upholstery or carpets also quickly looks unkempt. Clean beforehand. Attention should also be paid to scratch marks on walls or floors.

Preparation of the necessary documents:

Although the digital exchange of information is widespread, most prospective buyers expect to be able to hold the information about the property in their hands when viewing a property. The owner should comply with this request. KBC Real Estate recommends the following regarding the content of these paper documents:

4. Real estate sales: check potential buyers

KBC Real Estate screens potential property buyers for you before scheduling a viewing appointment.

Four important points in the qualification test: 

• Reason for buying a house – Cultural aspects
• Sort out onlookers
• Z Ensuring the ability to choose
• Compensation/pre-contract

1) Reason for buying a house – Cultural aspects:

There is no doubt that communication with the real estate buyer is a top priority. It is therefore important to find out the motivation and purpose of the property purchase in advance. The nationality of the potential buyer can provide information as to whether there may be difficulties in communication or whether cultural problems could arise. For an investment of a considerable size, aspects such as the buyer's migration background and the children's planned education must also play a role.

2) Schaulustige aussortieren:

You can weed out supposed prospective buyers who want to view properties out of sheer curiosity by doing good preparatory work. Such people cost everyone involved far too much time - the serious prospective buyer, the real estate seller and the estate agent.

3) Ensure solvency:

One task that should not be underestimated is to make an initial assessment as to whether the loan required by the potential buyer could even be within reach. Instruments such as obtaining a self-disclosure and a financing confirmation from the bank are indispensable for this.

4)  Pre-contract/reservation agreement:

If a potential buyer expresses a serious interest in buying and the seller is also interested in the prospective buyer, there are two options, including reserving the property for a certain period of time. On the one hand, there is the option - for both the buyer and the seller - of proposing a preliminary contract before the actual purchase agreement. Both parties undertake to conclude the main contract with each other at a later date. The seller thus receives an assurance from the buyer that they will actually purchase the property, while the buyer receives the certainty that they will be able to purchase the property accordingly. Normally, such a preliminary contract is notarized.