A Guide to Selling Property Privately in Spain

Establishing a selling price.The first course of action if selling privately is to decide how much to sell for. This will be the backbone for your selling strategy. In other words, if you ask too much for your property, people will not even bother to view it and will prefer to buy via estate agents. Ask too little for your property, and you are potentially giving away part of your assets! The right asking price is the perhaps the most essential ingredient in the art of selling your property privately and is the result of thorough market research. Don’t settle for the figure you want to hear, find out the true market value. What have comparable properties have been sold for? And what other owners with similar properties are asking? If your property is unique, then this will allow you to ask for a higher asking price as it cannot easily be reproduced?The most experienced agents will of course provide a valuable source of market information, and will help you reach a conclusion as to a proper valuation and a correct asking price for your property. At the end of the day you must be convinced that you are asking as much as you possibly can, whilst still attracting buyers. You must take into consideration the amount you are saving by selling your property privately and take enough of this off your asking price to make your property attractive to buyers. However, you must also take into consideration marketing costs, eg advertising in papers and on websites, although this should only be in the hundreds rather than the thousands. An asking price is not necessarily going to be the sales price at the end of the day. Therefore, the intelligent seller should also consider building in a reasonable margin for negotiation into their asking price.However, remember that if you do not take enough off then you must be prepared for a lot less interest from both prospective buyers, resulting in fewer showings of the property and a waiting game.Beware of agents who tell you what you want to hear: too many agents purposely overvalue homes to get a listing and let their sellers down over a period of time. Consequently, there are too many overpriced properties on the market, sitting there with no viewings whilst the seller has assumed that the asking price was reasonable.Providing market conditions are favourable, and there is an abundance of clients looking for property similar to yours, a successful sales strategy should result in at least two or more showings per month. Finding a buyer is, in many respects purely a numbers game: the more people who view the property, the more likelihood that one of them will fall in love with it and put in an offer. Some buyers will negotiate with a you, and others will be less difficult. But it’s easier to refuse a low offer if you are showing your property frequently.COMMISSION RATESAgents in a resort area such as Marbella will usually ask between 5 and 10% commission. For example 10% on a EUR250,000 villa will cost you EUR25,000!! So you could save EUR10,000 and reduce your asking price by EUR15,000!!!! Which should attract buyers keen eyes!TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR PROPERTY PRIVATELY:o Create a “For Sale” sign. You can do this yourself or preferably buy one. This always results in enquiries.o Take good, well lit, pictures showing off your properties best assets and views.o Take time to write a short description of your property, too long and people won’t read it all, but make sure you SELL it. Add any selling points, terraces, views, talk about the neighbourhood, social events, shops etc, how far it is to the airport etc. If you can provide a video clip then state this as this is obviously highly beneficial and you can email this to enquirers.o Facilitate viewings on as short a notice as possible. If you leave your keys with a neighbour who plays golf three times a week, you might be losing a vital chance to show the property at the buyers convenience.o Ensure that curtains and shutters are open and lots of light floods the property when it is shown.o If there are any small repairs or repainting that would enhance the overall appeal of the property, it’s well worthwhile getting this work done. Although it goes without saying, a clean house is a desirable house, and many buyers are put off if the property is grubby or untidy. Make sure the place is spotless and you will instantly create a favourable impression.o If you intend to sell your property with some furniture, it is most important to make an inventory right at the beginning and list these. Many a sale has been on the brink of falling though when a buyer thought that the painting over the fireplace was included, and felt that the seller was “too mean” when he learned that it was not! Negative energy during a negotiation can be avoided by having a clear inventory in writing from the outset.o If you are frequently travelling, it often makes sense to leave a power of attorney with your lawyer enabling him to sign a private contract on your written fax instructions. You can negotiate the details of the sale with your buyer’s solicitor by telephone, fax and email. The power of attorney allows the “first step” towards the sale, which is the signing a private contract, to take place without delay.o Make sure that you are fully aware of your tax obligations when you put your property on the market. Meet with your lawyer and tax advisor, and find out the options open to you, to ensure there are no surprises when you eventually enter into negotiations to sell your property.o Remember that selling a property in a resort area is not usually a rapid procedure, even in good market conditions. Properties can stay on the market from three months to over a year, depending on the market, the location, condition and general desirability of the property, the effectiveness of the sales strategy and, of course, the asking price.o Once a sale is accomplished, your lawyer should take the lead role, and draft the sales contract and supervise the eventual completion of the sale.o Points to consider when a negotiation is taking place: Is the buyer expecting a counter offer from you or has he given you a one-and-only, take-it-or-leave-it offer? Does he have other properties in mind if he doesn’t buy yours? Is his offer a fair one? Are all details included in the offer — price, target contract date, deposit, completion date, precise understanding of what is included in the sale in the way of fixtures, fittings and furniture, and who pays the municipal “plus valía” tax? These items should be agreed upon at the outset and before lawyers are instructed and above all, should not be negotiated “piecemeal”, to avoid unpleasant surprises.o Once you make up your mind to proceed, and with an understanding of “emotional factor” of the buyers of second or retirement homes, where they can change their minds abruptly, move quickly (but surely) to close the deal.You can list your property on sites that advertise private property for sale, in newspapers (which is cheaper than you might think) and by word of mouth.In summary, selling a property privately can be as easy or as complicated as any task involving personal affairs. Competent, honest, professional help by lawyers and tax advisors can go a long way to help you manage a sale objectively and more easily.

Make Money Online Without Spending Money

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Everyone has asked this question over and over, and I believe it’s about time that somebody clarified this question. So, for those who have no money and wish to make money online without spending money, stay tuned to this article and read on.There tend to be people on each sides of this discussion, some stating that you cannot make money online without spending money, and others stating that you can. Well if you ask me, folks, you certainly can. Naturally, the chance of success online is higher if you put a financial investment into it, although it is not a requirement. There are a lot of people who have made money online without needing to pay a red cent up front.What is the magic formula? There is no magic formula! Nor is there any software program or product which is going to make you into a millionaire in a single day. In order to make money online without spending money, you are going to have to steal away some time so that you can do the required research, and view your options. You’re reading this article, so you’re without a doubt on the way to earning some additional cash every month.There are many options you can look at to make money online. Some people select surveys, some select blogging, and some select affiliate marketing-it will depend on your personal tastes, and what job suits you best. Let’s dive into the various things that you can do online to make money.* Blogging is now extremely popular in the last few years. Some have even picked out blogging as their job because they were making the same or even more that they are making in their previous job just using their blog. Before you consider starting a blog, keep in mind that it is hard work and takes a lot of time.You have to write about something which people are fascinated in and research on methods you can generate income from your blog so that you’re making money from it. Some great blogging websites are Blogger, Squidoo, and Word Press. Blogger is more for first-timers, but when you get acquainted with that you could move on to the more advanced Word Press. Not only do you have to generate good content, you need to drive traffic to your blog as well.* Affiliate Marketing yet again, another pretty challenging way to make money online without spending money, however, if you want to have the ability to start working in your pajamas and work any time you feel like it, you are going to have to earn it. Affiliate marketers promote a company to get paid commission from each and every sale. Affiliate programs are cost-free to join, and the earning potential is endless. Internet Income University has a supreme affiliate program, great for affiliates of all ranges. Be sure to find one that helps you generate your traffic and provides all of the secrets to success to affiliate marketing online. It does not come easy, but if you know the tricks, you can certainly succeed.* Survey Websites, you will not get wealthy from survey websites, however, you can earn a little extra cash every month. There are several people who consistently make one thousand to two thousand dollars every month on Cash Crate, but do not think they did this effortlessly. They are totally free to join, and all you need to do is register and you can begin taking surveys.To make money online without spending money can be quite challenging however the thing about these techniques is they are hard to do but very easy to manage, and if you put the time in to learn you will succeed!

The Best Budget Decorating Blogs for All Your Interior Needs

Whether you’re in the market for a major interior overhaul or you’re simply looking to give your home a quick and easy update, chances are you’ve spent some time online hunting for ideas and inspiration. That said, it can be pretty deflating to stumble upon a look you love only to discover the price to achieve it is well above your budget.

Fortunately, there are some killer home decorating blogs that show you how to refresh, revive, and fall in love with your home anew without breaking the bank. For a home that looks far more expensive than it costs to create, check out the following blogs for all of the interior inspiration and DIY tutorials you’ll ever need.

Quartz Countertops and Grout – One Room Challenge Week 5

Welcome back to the week 5 update for the One Room Challenge. Check out the blog posts and updates for week 1, week 2, week 3, and week 4 if you missed them. It’s crunch time now and I’ll be honest… I don’t know that this project will be completely wrapped up for the reveal date. The great thing is the reveal and hitting a deadline is not the only goal of reason for this challenge. Ultimately having a fully functional and hopefully beautiful bathroom is where we want to end up even it things are a bit delayed.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.

When we left off last time the countertops had been templated, the trim was freshly painted and the hardware had been ordered. The hardware took about 1 week to arrive. We chose the Menlo Park 4″ pull from Schlub in chrome because I think the pull has the perfect mix of square and some rounded elements that make it a great transitional hardware option. We went with all pulls for the drawers and doors since the knob option in that line weren’t our favorite.

Guest Bathroom Reno: Quartz Countertops and Grout – One Room Challenge Week 5

The quartz countertops are now installed and things can be put back together. Rectangle, undercount sinks were also purchased through the fabricator. The Marble look quartz from Pental and it is gorgeous with the warm gray veins running throughout. For the edge went for a flat polish eased edge for a clean, simple look.

Guest Bathroom Reno: Quartz Countertops and Grout – One Room Challenge Week 5

Two days after the quartz countertops were installed the tile installer came back to finish up tiling the niches, installing the tile base and grout everything.

Guest Bathroom Reno: Quartz Countertops and Grout – One Room Challenge Week 5

The electoral is being relocated for the new lights. There are some drywall and painting touch ups to do and plumbing fixtures to be hooked up. Plus adding all the finishing touches ???? All those little things like towel hooks, curtain rod, and accessories will bring this whole thing together.

Townhome Remodel Phase 1

It’s been too long since I’ve updated and even longer since this work has been started. This is me sharing remodel updates, mostly for myself (but also for my nagging family members). I’m sharing photos of the progress that has been made while also document the craziness that has gone on. This is just the beginning of the remodel.

Prior to moving in I had 3-4 weeks where my apartment lease overlapped with the possession of my townhome. This allowed me, with the amazing help of my family, to paint, tear-out carpet and somewhat put back together the upstairs portion of my place so that I could have a clean room to put a bed. At least one that wasn’t completely torn apart. One area that felt more livable that the rest. If you haven’t seen or don’t remember these are the before photos from when I took possession. To list it out here are the main things that I was tacking during those week prior to me moving in.

Phase 1 Remodel Projects
ripping out baseboard, carpet and tack strips upstairs and preparing for new hard surface flooring. (this flooring will go throughout minus the stairs and bathrooms/laundry)
installing flooring upstairs (one of my installers did this)
mostly gutting the master bathroom
installing a new tub and rough in plumbing for the master and powder bath
ordering and installing a rift white oak vanity for the master
Painting (and priming where needed) the ceilings and walls of the bedrooms. Caulking and painting the crown molding in the master
replacing and upgrading the baseboard heater in the master and patch the drywall
painting the hallway and down through the stairwell
adding skirt board to the stairs
installing new carpet and pad on the stairs (my carpet installer from work did this)
removing upper cabinets on the fridge side in the kitchen
partially demoing the wall diving the kitchen (prepare to move switches, outlets, heater and thermostat)
removing drywall on wall next to bar in dining area
painting the downstairs powder bath and removing vanity to prepare for a new floating vanity
Those were the main projects that took place and then I moved in the day after Thanksgiving. Getting rid of the original, nasty cat carpet and new flooring made a huge difference to the upstairs. Also neutralizing and lightening the paint made things feel so much more fresh. I still have no baseboards but I’ll get on that one day! For now here are some photos that I snapped along the way.

I bought a townhouse: The before

It’s been a while since been posting on here but I have some new updates and projects that I have been working on. Last summer into fall I was house hunting while knowing the lease on my apartment would be expiring end of the 2019. It felt a little crazy but was a fun process for me. After a bunch of searching I found and closed on a new home!

I was lucky enough to have a few weeks of overlap with my apartment (I ended up moving out 1 month early) so I was able to get started on projects and updates prior to moving in. I’ll share more about those in the coming weeks (there are still so many unfinished things!) but for now I think it’s best to start with some before photos. Also, follow along on Instagram where I post current project updates more often. The pictures show it in the state I bought it in. It’s a great first place to me and was functional as-is but as you might expect I’m here to make things my own by doing updates that I will enjoy while living here and that will also add value and functionality to the space down the line when I sell… or maybe even keep it as a rental. My dog, Nova, has been enjoying the space as well ???? There are a couple of things to miss about my Bothell apartment but I am very ready to have my own place and space.

Guest Bathroom Remodel Sources

In 2017 the guest bathroom was remodeled. You can see more photos and read about that here. Almost everything came out and all new things went back in. From emails and comments people have been asking for sources so I have rounded up what I could in this post to share paint colors, products and links that I could find for the bathroom.

Bathroom Sources and Details:
Wall color: BM Balboa Mist
Trim and door color: BM Chantilly Lace
Floor Tile: Pental Mark Chrome 12×24 matte
Shower tile: Jeffrey Court Weather Gray 4×12 gloss subway
Niche tile: Daltile clio mosaic
Bathtub: Maax Rubix tub
Cabinet: Spencer Cabinets – painted BM Cape May Cobblestone
Countertop: Pental Quartz Misterio polished 3cm
Cabinet hardware: Schaub Menlo Park Pull in chrome
Faucets: Hansgrohe Metris single handle in chrome
Shower trims: Kohler slide bar kit, wall mount supply and Hansgrohe tub spout in chrome
Mirrors: Homegoods
Towel Hooks: Delta Tolva robe hook in chrome