Experience selling a condominium: 7 examples and testimonials from sellers

Typical mistakes when selling a home can quickly cost thousands or tens of thousands of euros. Even in the well-thought-out process of selling a home, there is one truth that proves itself time and time again: Every sale is as individual as the apartment itself. While each situation brings its own challenges and opportunities, the experiences of other sellers can still offer valuable insights. From different age groups to different life circumstances, every sale tells a unique story. Tip! Learn the practical 1×1: Selling an apartment.

Why experience from others?

Each story highlights typical mistakes to avoid while showing how smart decisions and practical actions can lead to a successful outcome.

Most people sell 1 property in their lifetime, which is why it is so important to gain experience. Over 67% ultimately choose a good real estate agent, and in large cities as many as 80% use a good real estate agent.

These are not songs of praise for our and my work. I have compiled a few private experiences.

Of course, here are the fictitious experience reports in a more detailed form with headings:

“Avoiding the price trap” – Experience #1

Field report 1: Karin Müller
Age: 32

I thought I had estimated the price of my apartment correctly. But hardly anyone showed any interest. I was frustrated and didn’t understand what I had done wrong. Then I met a real estate agent. He seemed to sense my frustration and offered to take a look at my situation. He analyzed the market, inspected my apartment and then came to me with a new price proposal.

I found it difficult to adjust my expectations because I wanted to get the best out of the sale. But the estate agent explained to me that the original price was not in line with the market situation. I trusted his advice and adjusted the price. Lo and behold – suddenly there were more inquiries and interest. In the end, I was able to sell my apartment at a fair price. The estate agent showed me how important it is to find the right asking price.

• Apartment with 72m²
• 4 rooms
• Frechen in NRW
• Balcony with a view of the park
• Modern kitchen
• Proximity to public transportation

“Structured analyses lead to better presentation” – Experience #2

Field report 2: Hans Werner-Meier
Age: 45

I was always aware that my apartment had accumulated a few scratches and signs of wear over the years. Initially, I tended to dismiss these as minor defects. But my perception changed drastically when potential buyers came to view the apartment. Suddenly, the impression of neglect seemed to be omnipresent, and these signs of wear and tear were reflected in the offers – in a negative way.

In this matter, a trusted friend who works in real estate advised me to invest in targeted repairs and renovations. Initially, I felt a certain skepticism about this recommendation, as I wasn’t sure whether the effort would be worth it. Nevertheless, I decided to follow the advice and embark on a systematic preparation. This included measures such as fresh coats of paint, repairing minor defects and thorough cleaning.

The results of these measures were quite impressive. The response to the redesigned and carefully prepared apartment was significantly more positive. Potential buyers now showed significantly increased interest. This ultimately enabled me to successfully sell my apartment at a reasonable price. This experience made it impressively clear to me that careful preparation and presentation play an essential role in a promising sale.

• 85m² apartment
• 2 bedrooms
• Central location in Hamburg
• Spacious living room
• High-quality equipment
• Proximity to shopping facilities

“Photos and descriptions” – Experience #3

Field report: Murat T.
Age: 28

I sold my small apartment in Cologne and thought a few snapshots with my cell phone would be okay to show my apartment. But when I put the ad online, not many people were interested. The photos were shaky and the text was hard to understand. I was really disappointed because I knew my apartment was really great. Then I met Maria, a friend who works in advertising. She showed me how important it is to show the apartment well. So I hired a professional photographer and wrote a better description. The result blew me away! Suddenly I was getting a lot more inquiries and people loved my apartment. In the end, I found the perfect buyer who was totally impressed with the photos and description. This story shows how important photos and texts are for successful selling.

• 50m² apartment
• 1 bedroom
• City center location in Cologne

“Forgotten documents” – Experience #4

Field report: Aurora Giurgiu
Age: 50

I was so excited about selling my apartment that I had forgotten to prepare the necessary documents. When a potential buyer showed serious interest, I started to sweat. He wanted to see documents that I didn’t have to hand. It was embarrassing and frustrating at the same time. That was the moment I realized how important thorough preparation is. Now I’ve created a checklist for all the necessary paperwork – land register extracts, declarations of division, energy certificate and more. Being smart right from the start not only saves trouble, but also time and nerves.

• 110m² maisonette
• 3 bedrooms
• Outskirts of Stuttgart
• Large balcony with a view
• In need of renovation

“Negotiations? No problem” – Experience #5

Field report: Julia R. Becker
Age: 37

Negotiations? No problem. But when I spoke to a potential buyer, I realized it was more difficult than I thought. I agreed to a lower price just to close the deal. But then I met Mark, a real estate consultant. He helped me learn negotiation tactics and boost my confidence. I was better prepared for the next buyer. I negotiated professionally, maintained my position and achieved the price I had in mind. This experience taught me how important it is to prepare for negotiations in order to get the best deal.

• 65m² apartment
• Open room concept
• Industrial style in Berlin Kreuzberg
• High ceilings and large windows
• Creative workspace
• Proximity to art galleries and cafés

“When friends draw up the purchase contract” – Experience #6

Field report: Thomas Fischer
Age: 60

Well, I had a friend draw up the purchase contract. But that led to misunderstandings and uncertainties. When the buyer asked questions, I was overwhelmed. That was a wake-up call. I realized that the legal protection of the sale was of the utmost importance. I sought professional help in the form of a lawyer. He reviewed the contract, made sure all the legal aspects were covered and gave me the confidence I needed. The sale went smoothly and I learned that expert legal support is essential.

“Season and time” – Experience #7

Field report: Samuel Chukwuaze
Age: 29

Apartments are always in demand, aren’t they? But when I put my apartment on the market, there was surprisingly little interest. This disappointment was hard to swallow, especially because I had hoped to sell my apartment quickly.

Then I met an experienced estate agent who gave me a completely new perspective. She explained to me in detail how the real estate market reacts differently in different seasons and that the right time is a decisive factor for the success of a sale. Her insight convinced me to rethink my original sales plan.

The estate agent recommended that I postpone the sale and keep a close eye on the market. I was skeptical at first – I didn’t want to waste any more time. But she explained to me that patience and a strategic approach can lead to better results in the long term.

Fortunately, I had the time at the sale.

In the end, I followed her advice and waited until the following spring, when demand was known to be at its highest. And she was right – at that time I found the perfect buyer who was delighted with my apartment. The sale went smoothly and I achieved a good price. This experience made it clear to me that the right time to sell a house or apartment can be crucial. Sometimes it simply pays to listen to expert advice and wait patiently for the best moment.

• 90m² Penthouse
• 2 bedrooms
• Luxurious furnishings in Düsseldorf
• Private roof terrace
• Old building with character