Here is a summary of some of the more important points that we feel will help you establish the best strategy to help you sell your property:

1. Consider placing a “For Sale” sign by your main agent. This always results in increased client enquiries.

2. Assemble your paper work and have it to hand while selling your property to create a professional presentation.

• Nota Simple - Certificate form the local land registry stating the property is owned by you and showing any outstanding mortgages or embargoes or is free of all debt.
  
  
• Copy of the Escritura Publica - Title Deeds
  
  
• IBI receipts - Local rates receipts paid up to date.
  
  
• Community Statutes - Issued by the Administrator if applicable
  
  
• Community bills and other amenity receipts - All paid up to date
  
  

• A list of the property running costs

3. Fix any small repairs that need doing, or repaint the property to enhance the first impression client receives when they walk into your home. Its a fact that properties sell faster if they look in great condition.

4. While using an agent to establish the correct asking price for your property, make sure that you ask him to explain exactly why he thinks the property is worth that amount so that you understand the market in your area.

5. Have some small negotiation factor built into the price and a have a clear idea of what your bottom line is. Today's market means that you are likely to have offers made on your property, so have these details ready as part of your strategy.

6. Make an inventory of the items that are included in the sale of the property right at the beginning and give this inventory to your agent. This will avoid upset and confusion at later stages of the negotiation.

7. If you are away from Spain you can leave a power of attorney with your lawyer enabling him to sign a private contract according to your written instructions. The power of attorney allows your lawyer to sign the purchase contract, which may avoid unnecessary delay.

8. 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 available to you to save money, following this inform your agent correctly so that he can negotiate these factors on your behalf.

9. If you have no experience in selling property, ask your agent handle the negotiation. His/her lack of emotional attachment and experience will be in your favour. Ensure that you provide him with precise instructions and if necessary put him in contact with your lawyer and tax advisor so he is fully informed on all aspects of your selling strategy. Once the terms have been agreed and confirmed, your lawyer should take the lead role (in co-ordination with your agent) until the eventual completion of the sale.

10. It is extremely important to clarify all of the details of the sale from the outset before you instruct your lawyer, try to avoid negotiating on a piece meal basis wherever possible. Ensure that you have set the price, fiscal considerations, target contract date, deposit, completion date, precise details of what is included in the sale in the way of fixtures, fittings and furniture, who pays the municipal plus valía, etc and that your agent is aware of your requirements and has been properly informed.