Overpriced listings, inaccurate paperwork, blurry photos… every year, dozens of homeowners waste time (and money) due to easily avoidable mistakes. If you want to sell your property in Ivory Coast successfully, take five minutes to review this list of common errors – and, more importantly, the simple solutions to avoid them 😉.
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Set a price on a whim 💸
Your neighbor sold his villa for 120 million FCFA? Great, but your house might not be on the same street or have the same roof structure. A price that's too high scares away serious buyers; three months later, the ad is still online, and you have to lower the price urgently – under the watchful eye of the market.
Solution: Make an objective estimate: three comparable listings, plus the opinion of a local agent. Adjust the price based on factors such as the overall condition, plot size, and whether or not there is paved access. It's better to list the property 5% below the "emotional" price and attract several viewings than to list it 15% above and get none.
Neglecting first visual impressions 📸✨
A rusty gate, week-old grass, a cluttered living room… first impressions are unforgettable. The buyer judges (and negotiates) with their eyes before discussing paperwork.
Quick tip : Give the fence a fresh coat of paint, declutter the living room, and open the curtains and windows for visitors. Half a day is all it takes to transform the atmosphere and – literally – increase the perceived value by 5%.
Blurry or poorly framed photos: the invisible ad 🖼️🚫
The internet is your primary showcase. An average phone in natural light is better than a professional camera in the dark of a late afternoon. Aim for:
- Morning light for outdoor use;
- Straight horizons (activate the integrated grid);
- No personal items lying around: the buyer needs to be able to imagine themselves living there.
Add a simplified plan (even a scanned hand-drawn one): many buyers filter out listings without a plan.
Incomplete legal files 📑⚠️
You'd be surprised how many sales fall through due to misspelled titles or forgotten property tax statements. Prepare before viewings:
• Original land title or ACD;
• Certificate of no mortgage less than 30 days old;
• Last notice of paid property tax;
• Approved site plan;
• Copy of identity document of the sellers.
🤓 90% of buyers walk away from the negotiating table because they don't have these parts. Anticipate this, and you'll gain an advantage.
Underestimating the role of a professional agent 🤝
Many people think, "I'll save on commission." Yes... but only a small percentage of owners close deals quickly without an intermediary, due to a lack of network, time, and negotiation skills.
• A serious agent knows the market level on any given day;
• He filters visiting tourists;
• He knows how to identify a solid banking file.
The commission (usually 5%) is often recouped through a better-defended final price or a shorter sales period.
Unprepared visits 🕰️😬
The buyer arrives, the house is dark, the caretaker is looking for the keys… Result: stress, haste, and a lower price for negotiation. The day before each viewing:
✔ Clean the bathroom and kitchen;
✔ Air out the room, lightly perfume the space;
✔ Prepare the documents on the living room table;
✔ Allow 45 minutes without interruption.
An organized owner inspires confidence; that's already 50% of the sale.
Clinging to the negotiating position 💬🛑
Some buyers like to "take a chance" and offer 15% off. Relax; it's just a game. Counter with factual arguments: new roof, paved street, drilled well. A successful negotiation often ends at around 6% to 8% off the asking price for a well-maintained property.
Ignoring additional transfer fees 💵📉
The seller is generally responsible for registration fees on any capital gain (if applicable) and 3% notary fees (depending on the agreement). Anticipate these costs to avoid the unpleasant surprise of a lower net proceeds.
Focus on a single buyer 🙇♂️
You've finally found a serious buyer… but their loan application is rejected! While they were putting together their paperwork, you turned down two other viewings. Moral of the story: keep the property on the market until the preliminary sales agreement is signed, never before.
Forgetting to “depersonalize” the house 🪴🖼️
Your hunting trophies or collection of decorated plates tell your story, not that of the future owner. Tidy up, declutter, neutralize any garish colors; let the house "breathe." The buyer should be able to imagine themselves living there, not visit a family museum.
Selling real estate in Ivory Coast isn't a sprint or an obstacle course; it's a half-marathon where every kilometer requires preparation. A fair price, ready documents, a polished presentation, and calm negotiation: these four pillars are all you need to seal the deal. And remember: a successful transaction is one where both the seller and buyer leave the table with a smile 😄. Prepare yourself, surround yourself with the right people, and good luck with the sale!