Selling your house in France: The 7 key steps for a successful transaction and a quick sale !
- ikramebbailly
- May 27
- 4 min read
Selling your home is a major and often complex project that involves numerous administrative, legal, and commercial procedures. Whether you're looking to quickly sell an apartment or a house, Sagasu guides you through the 7 essential steps for a successful real estate transaction in France.
Step 1: A fair home valuation: the key to success
This is the key to selling your house or apartment. An accurate and realistic home valuation is absolutely essential. Setting a price that's too high risks scaring off buyers and significantly extending the selling time, putting you off a quick sale. Conversely, setting an underestimated price could cost you significant potential profit.
Why is this key? A home valuation at the right market price ensures the appeal of your listing, generates more interest, and promotes a quick sale.
How to do it?
Conduct a comparative market study (CMS): Analyze the prices of similar properties recently sold or currently on the market in your area.
Consider the specific features of your property: The overall condition, the presence of an exterior, a garage, the view, the exposure, any renovations needed, and the proximity to amenities (transport, schools, shops) are major factors in your home's valuation.
Hire a professional: A real estate appraiser, such as Sagasu, or a notary, with their in-depth knowledge of the local market, can provide you with an objective and reliable home valuation.
Step 2: Prepare the technical diagnostics file (DDT) to sell your house with peace of mind
Mandatory for all real estate transactions in France, technical diagnostics inform the future buyer about the condition and potential risks associated with your property. This file must be complete and available as soon as your listing is published to facilitate a quick sale of your apartment or house, or at the latest, when the sales agreement is signed.
Why is it essential? It guarantees the transparency of the transaction and protects you against possible hidden defects after you have successfully sold your house.
The main diagnostic tests (non-exhaustive list): Energy Performance Certificate (DPE), Asbestos, Lead, Termites, Gas, Electricity, Risk and Pollution Report (ERP), Sanitation.
Step 3: Preparing your property for a quick sale of your apartment or house
A positive first impression is crucial to generate interest and speed up the sale. A well-presented property will not only sell faster, but potentially at a higher price.
Why is it essential? Highlight all the assets of your house or apartment and allow buyers to instantly visualize themselves in it to promote a quick sale of your apartment.
Tips:
Declutter and depersonalize: Tidy up, clean, and remove overly personal items to create a neutral and welcoming space.
Fix small flaws: Details matter. A small repair can make all the difference.
Home staging: Optimize furniture layout to maximize space and create a warm atmosphere.
Emphasize brightness: Open the curtains, turn on the lights, and let natural light flood the rooms.
Maintain a well-kept exterior: A well-maintained garden is a major asset when selling your home.
Step 4: Effectively advertise your home
A perfectly written ad, accompanied by high-quality visuals, is essential to attract potential buyers and ensure a quick sale of your apartment or house.
Why is this key? To reach as many qualified buyers as possible.
How to do it?
Professional photos: This is the number one factor in creating a home that will captivate the viewer. Light, angle, and clarity are essential.
A detailed and compelling description: Highlight the strong points (quiet, brightness, neighborhood, proximity to amenities, etc.), the size, number of rooms, and specific amenities.
Choice of platforms: Publish your ad on the most relevant real estate websites (Leboncoin, SeLoger, PAP, Bien'ici) and social media.
Virtual tour: This is a considerable asset for a quick sale of an apartment or house, allowing visitors to visualize their experience in advance.
Step 5: Visits and negotiation to sell your house at the right price
This step involves direct contact with potential buyers. It is essential to be available, transparent, and well-prepared for the art of negotiation.
Why is this key? To close the quick sale of an apartment or house at the best price and under the best conditions.
Tips:
Be flexible: Adapt to visitors' availability.
Answer questions: Have knowledge
A perfect overview of your diagnostic file.
Listen: Understand the buyers' motivations and potential obstacles.
Negotiation: Define a realistic margin for negotiation beforehand. A professional like Sagasu can help you manage this delicate phase.
Step 6: The preliminary contract or promise of sale, the formal commitment
Once the buyer has been found and the price agreed upon, it's time to formalize the agreement. This preliminary contract is a crucial step that binds both parties.
Why is it key? Secure the transaction before the final signing of the deed to sell your house with complete confidence.
What it contains: The identity of the parties, a precise description of the property, the sale price, the amount of the deposit, the conditions precedent (obtaining a loan, etc.), and the deadline for signing the authentic deed.
Role of the notary: The preliminary sale agreement can be signed before a notary (strongly recommended) or under private seal. The notary will be responsible for gathering all the documents necessary for the sale.
Cooling-off period: The buyer has a 10-day cooling-off period after receiving the preliminary sale agreement.
Step 7: The authentic deed of sale at the notary's office, the finalization
This is the final step, the one that formalizes the sale of your house or apartment and definitively transfers ownership of the property.
Why is it key? The legal and financial finalization of the transaction to definitively sell your house.
Process: Both parties (seller and buyer) meet at the notary's office to sign the authentic deed. The notary ensures that all conditions are met and that payment has been made.
Handing over the keys: Once the deed is signed and the funds transferred, the buyer officially becomes the owner and the keys are handed over.
Fees: Notary fees are the buyer's responsibility. Sagasu's commission is generally paid at the time of the final signing.
Entrust your sales project to Sagasu and ensure a quick sale!
Selling your house or apartment is a demanding process. By working with Sagasu, you benefit from expertise and personalized support at every stage, from the valuation to the final closing.
Our unique commission of 3.5% of the property sold, regardless of its value, ensures you receive a transparent and cost-effective professional service.
Contact us today for a free home valuation and begin your sales project with complete peace of mind!

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