Overview: The 7 + 1 Most Expensive Mistakes When Selling a House

Before we go into detail, here’s an overview. You’ll see: The financial damage is often higher than sellers think.

1. Wrong offer price – the most expensive mistake at all

Setting the correct selling price is the most important decision in the entire process. An overpriced offer scares buyers away, while a too low price gives away five-figure amounts.

The problem: Listing time eats into the margin

Statistics from the German market show a clear pattern: A property that is listed for longer than 90 days is considered “burned” on the market. Buyers automatically ask: “What’s wrong with the house?” The result: The final selling price is on average 8–12% below the original offer price.

What is your house worth?

The solution: Comparative value method + market pulse

On my website you will find detailed articles on Rating. You can do a lot yourself, but you should be aware of the risks and typical mistakes. If you have little time, you can have your real estate appraised.

The right pricing:

• Tipp 1: Conduct thorough market research – analyze at least 5 comparable sales from the last 6 months within a 3-km radius
• Tipp 2: Obtain a professional appraisal from an expert or real estate agent, ideally using the comparison value and asset value methods
• Tipp 3: Setting a price slightly below market value can create a bidding war and may end up above market value
• Tipp 4: Never set the emotional “desired price” – the market is not interested in your memories

Insider Tip: The 95% Rule

Set the offer price at about 95 % of the market value. This creates a “bargain perception,” you receive more inquiries, and due to bidder competition, you often end up at 100–105 % of the market value. I can particularly recommend the comparison value method.

Calculation example: 850,000 € House with Moon Price

• Market value: 850,000 €
• Moon price: 950,000 € (too high)
• Episode: 6 months no serious inquiries
• First price reduction: 899,000 € → no movement again
• Second reduction: 829,000 € → first inquiries
• Final selling price: 795,000 €
• Loss compared to market value with direct 95% approach: approx. 60,000 €

2. Real Estate Presentation and Preparation

An attractive presentation determines whether a buyer even requests a viewing. The first three seconds in the online listing decide 80% of the click rate.

The Problem: First Impressions Count Twice

Poor mobile phone photos, cluttered rooms, unmade beds – studies show: listings with professional photos generate up to 118% more views and sell about 32% faster.

The Solution: Home Staging and Professional Photos

Preparation of the Property:

• Tip 1: Invest 1,500 to 5,000 € in home staging, cleaning, minor repairs, wall paint – ROI typically ranges from 5–10 times the investment
• Tip 2: Hire an architectural or real estate photographer with wide-angle and HDR technology (costs around 300–800 €)
• Tip 3: Create a virtual 360° tour or a short drone video – especially mandatory for premium properties
• Tip 4: De-personalize consistently – remove family photos, religious items, political items, hobby trophies
• Tip 5: Don’t overstyle – buyers want to be able to imagine realistic furnishings, not stand in a showroom

Insider Tip: Show the Exterior First

Buyers decide in the driveway whether they even want to like the house. Invest first in the facade, front garden, entrance door, and mailbox. These 800 € can raise the selling price by 20,000 €.

3. Marketing and Exposure

Successful real estate marketing requires the right strategy – not the most reach, but the right reach.

On-Market vs. Off-Market – the strategic fundamental question

• On-Market: ImmoScout24, Immowelt, eBay Kleinanzeigen – maximum reach, many inquiries, lots of time investment
• Off-Market: Direct approach to pre-qualified buyers from investor networks – discreet, fast, ideal for premium properties

Who wants maximum discretion, sells Off Market. Advantages: No nosy neighbors, no “lifestyle tourists” during viewings, targeted buyer communication.

Marketing and Exposure – the tips:

• Tipp 1: Use online platforms, social media, and targeted advertising – Facebook and Instagram ads are extremely effective for high-end real estate
• Tipp 2: Work with a real estate agent who has their own buyer network – not just someone who lists on ImmoScout
• Tipp 3: Structure viewings as group appointments (“Open House”) – creates competition among buyers
• Tipp 4: High-quality exposé with floor plan, location map, energy certificate, and renovation history – not just the typical two-page flyer

Insider Tip: Premium buyers don’t live on ImmoScout

Wealthy buyers with a budget of at least 1 million € rarely search on their own – they have purchase advisors, family offices, or trusted real estate agents. Whoever sells premium real estate must know where these advisors look.

4. Negotiations and Closings

Negotiations are not a gut feeling, but a craft. Making mistakes here can cost you 3–8 % of the selling price.

The most common negotiation mistakes

• Revealing the minimum price too early
• Reacting emotionally to lowball offers (20 % below the offer)
• No written counteroffers, only verbal promises
• Don’t have a Plan B ready – the buyer will notice immediately

Negotiation Strategy – the Tips:

• Tip 1: Define your minimum price before the first negotiation (BATNA: “Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement”) – in writing
• Tip 2: Let the buyer make a specific offer first – whoever names a number first often loses
• Tip 3: Never respond to a lowball offer with outrage, but with a slight counteroffer just below the offer price
• Tip 4: Never sell to the first bidder – always create a competitive situation, at least informatively
• Tip 5: Negotiate not only the price – inventory, handover date, and deposit terms are also negotiable

Insider Tip: The “Silence Tactic”

After a buyer’s offer, remain silent for 5 seconds. Most buyers feel obligated to improve the offer on their own. This technique has already brought in tens of thousands of euros.

5. Inspections and Appraisals

During the sales process, inspections and appraisals are standard. Problems can delay or even derail the sale – and cost money.

The Problem: Re-negotiation over Defects

If the buyer’s appraiser finds mold, leaking roofs, old electrical systems – the buyer typically demands a price reduction of 1.5–3 times the actual repair costs.

The Solution: Pre-Sale Inspection

• Tip 1: Have the property inspected by an appraiser before listing – costs 400–800 €
• Tip 2: Fix fixable defects in advance or openly factor them into the price
• Tip 3: Disclose all documents: heating maintenance contracts, roof inspection, electrical inspection, energy certificate
• Tip 4: Transparency builds trust – hidden defects can lead to contract revocation and compensation claims

6. Market Timing and Market Uncertainty

The real estate market is subject to interest rate cycles, regional trends, and legal changes. Poor timing can cost five-figure amounts.

The Most Important Indicators

• Interest Rate Level: Rising building interest reduces buyers’ purchasing budget by up to 30%
• Inflation: High inflation makes tangible assets more attractive – usually good for sellers
• Regional Demand: Influx, job market, infrastructure projects
• Seasonality: Spring (March to June) and early autumn are the strongest selling periods

The Solution: Flexibility and Plan B

• Tip 1: If you don’t have to sell urgently, observe the market for 6–12 months
• Tip 2: In weak market phases, off-market is often better than public marketing
• Tip 3: Consider as an alternative: Rent out and sell after 2–3 years, possibly tax-free after the speculation period

7. Emotional Challenges

Selling a house is emotionally challenging – especially in the case of inheritance, divorce, or a long-term family home. However, emotions are the worst negotiation partner.

The typical emotional pitfalls

• Desired price based on memories rather than market value
• Rejecting buyers for personal reasons (“I don’t like him”)
• Disputes among heirs about price and strategy
• Hasty decisions due to frustration after a long time on the market

The Solution: External Objectivity

• Tip 1: Separate the owner role and the seller role – from the time of the listing, the house emotionally belongs to the next owner
• Tip 2: In cases of inheritance communities: fix a common strategy and minimum price in writing
• Tip 3: Let a neutral advisor or real estate agent conduct the negotiations – protects against gut decisions
• Tip 4: Allow yourself 24 hours of consideration time before every contract decision

+1. Legal and tax

]]> https://lukinski.com/6-typical-mistakes-when-selling-a-villa-asking-price-documentation-viewing/ Thu, 28 Sep 2023 12:33:28 +0000 https://lukinski.de/6-mistakes-when-selling-real-estate-purchase-price-documents-inspection-co/ 6 Mistakes When Selling a Villa – As you have already seen, selling a property privately can be demanding. Worse, however, are the risks and mistakes that can occur during a private sale. Mistakes that ultimately lead to a lower selling price and thus direct financial losses for you as the seller. Here are the most common Mistakes When Selling Large Properties. Still have questions about the private sale of real estate or the rating? Write to me or call, completely non-committal: Contact us.

1) Selling under time pressure, poor preparation

The effort and scope of real estate sales are often underestimated. A common consequence is the resulting time pressure, which negatively affects the selling price. Mistakes in the preparation of the sale can have far-reaching consequences – not just financial. Ultimately, the buyer must also obtain financing from his bank based on the provided information and documents. With insufficient preparation, the sales project can fail at any stage.

Tip: Leave nothing to chance. Take enough time to prepare for your real estate sale.

Define your goals and plan the steps of the sale with foresight. Let our professional service support you in achieving a targeted and optimal sale of your property.

2) Incorrect assessment of the purchase price

The determination of the asking price is always based on the value of the real estate. However, the personal assessment of the owners often deviates significantly from this: the selling price is frequently estimated too high or too low. In both cases, a financial loss occurs, and the buyer may not be able to finance the property. Our market-based rating is composed of various factors. We only consider objects that are comparable to yours in the evaluation. This includes both the house type or apartment type, as well as the location and equipment of the real estate. Determining the purchase price is a crucial aspect of a successful real estate sale.

Tip: Our method evaluates sold properties in your region and thus determines a realistic and market-appropriate selling price. Don’t waste money.

Everything you need to know about property valuation is here:

• Evaluate property

Questions? Rating, Sale, Lukinski

Stephan M. Czaja (Lukinski)

Do you still have questions about the rating or the sale? Free valuation, real estate agent recommendation, and maybe we have the right buyers right away. Write to me or call me, completely non-committal.

• Contact us

3) Incomplete or missing documents

The preparation and provision of documents for the sale of the property is required in every phase. Potential buyers, authorities, offices, and banks request documents or issue them. Gather all necessary documents and paperwork as early as possible. Current land register extracts are issued by the local court, and also the division declarations for the residential complex are important. The complete key data about the property, derived from building plans, land register extracts, and location plans, will be requested by a serious buyer at the latest during the viewing appointment. If energy certificate or important documents are not available early on, potential buyers may lose interest or the sale may fail at a later stage – for example, if the bank objects to missing documents or an excessively high purchase price.

Tipp: If you wish, we can obtain many of the required documents for you.

Here is a list of the most important documents for house sale and apartment sale:

1. Floor plan
2. Location plan
3. Land register extract
4. Fire insurance certificate
5. An overview of the additional costs
6. List of all renovation work
7. Photos
8. The current energy certificate
9. The indication of the living area
10. Potentially existing rental agreements
11. If there are multiple owners, the indication of ownership shares
12. A detailed property description

More about the most important documents here:

• Documents for Sale

4) Poorly represented property

Real Estate is now sold online – whether it’s Divorce, separation or Inheritance. Potential buyers search for suitable properties in social media and online databases of the internet. Present your property optimally and in accordance with the target audience.

Tip: Before the viewing appointment and even before the first photo session, the property must appear well-maintained and livable.

Don’t forget to put your property in top condition, both inside and outside.

• Don’t put off repair work and maintenance any longer.
• Clear out clutter and create a clear impression.
• Ensure cleanliness and a livable, appealing atmosphere.

So-called “Home Staging” pays off. The property is prepared in such a way that potential buyers feel right at home and fall in love with the property. We are happy to offer you advice. Here are some tips for Home Staging:

• Remove personal items before the viewing appointment
• Enhance the property visually and emotionally

5) Photos: Daylight, Open Space and Variety

The most important factor, however, are the images – especially for Real Estate Marketing and the property brochure. A buyer would naturally like to see as much of the property as possible in order to get an idea of whether the property might be suitable for them.

To take great pictures of your property, there are a few things you need to keep in mind: The rooms should naturally be tidy and clean first of all. In addition, you should definitely take the pictures in daylight, so that the rooms can really be seen well and buyers can assess how much daylight enters the rooms.

The most beautiful room, the rooftop terrace, the open kitchen or perhaps the bay window with a view. Your main image should be the most representative one and showcase the best aspect of the property. Pictures of all rooms and, if available, the garden/balcony/terrace, an exterior view and especially a floor plan must absolutely not be missing.

Photo tips at a glance:

• Rooms clean and tidy
• Daylight (speaks for bright rooms)
• The first image should be the best photo
• Cover all rooms and areas
• Floor plan

What matters when creating an exposé, you can find out here:

• Create an exposé

6) Poorly prepared for the viewing appointment

Buyers have important questions during viewings. They need time to get familiar with the property and its surroundings. When it comes to construction-related questions, competent and technically sound information is expected. When selling real estate, detailed questions about the common property are asked, as these shares are also acquired together with the property.

Tipp: We provide you with possible questions for the viewing appointment. Already when selecting potential buyers, we make a pre-selection, so that neither time nor effort is wasted.

We take over the sales conversations for you. With years of experience, we can successfully conduct real estate sales negotiations. As a real estate agent, we remain objective and do not rush you into decisions.

• Tips for Viewing Appointments

Conclusion: How to Avoid Mistakes & Risks?

If you want to sell your property and exclude these pitfalls from the beginning, contact a real estate agency directly. Real estate agents are contacts with expertise who bring not only years of experience, but also the necessary know-how and knowledge.

With a real estate agent’s service, you eliminate long negotiations and rejecting buyers, so you can have a purchase agreement drawn up for the property soon and start the handover process.

Questions? Rating, Sale, Lukinski

Stephan M. Czaja (Lukinski)Do you still have questions about the rating or the sale? Free value assessment, real estate agent recommendation, and maybe we already have the right buyers. Write to me or call me, completely non-committal.

• Contact us

]]> https://lukinski.com/self-disclosure-for-home-loan-apartment-loan-how-much-loan-will-you-get-from-the-bank-new-video/ Wed, 27 Sep 2023 15:42:59 +0000 https://lukinski.de/self-disclosure-for-home-loan-apartment-loan-how-much-loan-will-you-get-from-the-bank-new-video/ Self-disclosure – Buying or financing a property is an important step in many people’s lives. However, before you can pick up the keys to your new home, you need to prepare a self-disclosure for the bank. In this article, accompanying my latest YouTube video, I explain what a self-disclosure is and what information you need to provide to make the process go smoothly. Subscribe now: Lukinski YouTube!

Self-disclosure for house & apartment loan

Self-disclosure contains your income, assets, expenses, debts & Schufa query. You get the self-disclosure from your bank. So you know how much credit your bank will give you for your property.

Self-disclosure contents

At a glance:

1. Personal data
2. Revenue and assets
3. Expenditure and debt
4. Documents
5. Consent Schufa query (creditworthiness)

Personal data

• Name, date and place of birth
• Address and contact details
• Marital status and number of children
• Nationality

Revenue and assets

• Income from salary, self-employment, rental income, etc.
• Savings and investment accounts
• Real estate holdings and their estimated values
• Securities, shares and other assets

Expenditure and debt

• Monthly expenses such as rent, loan installments, living expenses.
• Existing credits and loans
• Open invoices and payables

Documents

• Proof of salary for the last few months
• Bank statements to confirm your financial situation
• Evidence of other assets, such as securities or savings books
• If you are already a customer at another bank, inform about your account there

Consent Schufa query (creditworthiness)

• Allow the bank to check your creditworthiness with Schufa or other credit bureaus
• A positive credit rating increases your chances of obtaining favorable financing

Bonus tip 1: Go to the bank before the deal moment

Before you jump into the real estate market, I recommend building a good relationship with your bank ahead of time.

That doesn’t just mean when you need financing. Bank advisors can give you valuable tips and advice to improve your financial situation.

Bonus tip 2: Say hello to bankers even when times are good

Building a relationship with your bank advisor is not a one-way street. Show interest in your bank advisor, even if you don’t need financing right now.

Visit the bank to give updates, talk about your plans, or just say hello. This can help you get better support during difficult times.

Self-disclosure simply explained

Self-disclosure for real estate purchase or financing is an important step on the path to your dream home. By properly compiling the required information and maintaining the relationship with your bank, you can ensure that the process goes smoothly and you get the best terms for your real estate financing. Check out my new YouTube video for more useful tips and information on this topic.

Lukinski YouTube: Yield, Capital Investment & Co.

Discover with me the crucial factors, key figures and basics of real estate investment. Compared to other forms of investment, real estate offers a ‘safer’ way to invest capital with consistent returns and long-term appreciation. Want to invest your money wisely? My recommendation: Real estate, passive income and a good life.

• Lukinski YouTube

]]> https://lukinski.com/alex-fischers-financial-intelligence-master-course-coaching-experience-content/ Wed, 10 May 2023 07:41:00 +0000 https://lukinski.de/alex-fischers-financial-intelligence-master-course-coaching-experience-content/ What do you learn in the Financial Intelligence Master Course? Alex Fischer ‘s Master Course opens the door to a comprehensive coaching program focused on money, finance and financial independence. But this course is more than just a collection of information – it’s a passionate journey that taps into your deepest emotions and can change your life forever. Because we know that financial problems aren’t just numbers in your bank account, but can have profound effects on your entire life. That’s why in this course, we’ll take you on an emotional roller coaster ride to understand the roots of your financial challenges and give you the tools and strategies to achieve a life of financial abundance. Tip in advance: Currently you can order the bestseller (already 200.000+ readers:inside) “Richer than the Geissens” for free.

Master Course at a Glance: “Financial Intelligence

You are still thinking about whether it is worth booking a coaching? Read here everything important about the contents of the master course “Financial Intelligence” including course overview, conclusion, experience and final evaluation!

First of all, the most important question:

Who is the master course for? Typical problems

Do you know these problems? If so, you should read on.

• Lack of financial knowledge
• Debts and financial burdens
• Fear of financial insecurity
• Lack of strategies for wealth accumulation
• Lack of knowledge about investment opportunities
• Limited financial planning
• Lack of understanding of taxes and legal aspects
• Restricted access to financial instruments
• Emotional blocks and fears

These issues can hinder progress toward financial goals. A specialized course can help provide knowledge, identify strategies, and give participants the confidence and tools to improve their financial situation and achieve financial freedom.

What to do? Learn from professionals.

Master Course Overview: Topics and Learning Fields

This is what you will learn in the Masterclass, all important topics and your learnings in the seminars.

Topics	Learnings
What is an investment and what is an expense?	Distinguish between investments and expenditures to achieve financial freedom
The tension balance: How do I become a magnet for money and contacts?	Develop attraction to money and contacts to succeed professionally and personally
The origin of money and the curse associated with it	Researching the history of money and recognizing the negative effects of the monetary system.
Basic knowledge and attitudes about money	Understanding the laws and principles that follow the money
Important rules and laws of money: self-confidence. Money is energy.	Internalizing the laws of money and using self-confidence to achieve financial goals
Your opponents on the way to financial freedom	Overcoming obstacles and challenges on the path to financial freedom
Definition of wealth: guidance for financial independence	Building assets and creating financial independence
How worthwhile some types of reserves REALLY are	Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of different types of reserves.
The Parkinson’s Law	Becoming aware of Parkinson’s Law and using this knowledge to manage one’s finances.
How must you BE in order not to repel money?	Developing the right attitude toward money to attract financial success
Using the laws of money positively	Exploiting the laws of money in a positive way for financial success
Creditworthiness Basics	Basics of creditworthiness and building a good relationship with banks.
More laws about money: How to get the winning attitude	Understanding more laws about money and developing a winning attitude
Trading time for money – this is how you stop doing it	Investment of time to generate more free time and money
What you need to deliver in order to achieve your desired income	Identify and implement the necessary actions to achieve the desired income
Solvency: how to build and maintain it	Establish a sound financial situation in which revenues exceed expenses
Dax Price Index / Performance Index – Error	Clarification on the difference between the DAX price index and the performance index
Delivery point of view: What is needed and wanted?	Application of the principle “as one calls into the forest, so it resounds out” for positive results
What is PR and how can I make it work for me?	Importance and use of public relations for personal and business success
How to build creditworthiness with banks	Tips and behaviors to gain the trust of banks
The problem of rising statistics	Dealing with the problem of rising statistics and maintaining persistent wealth
Tips for business and personal success	Valuable tips for success in business and private life
A piece of advice on the subject of advice	Importance of choosing advice and avoiding wasting time
How to invest a lot when you have little	Opportunities to make large investments despite low capital
Things to know about assets and liabilities	Benefiting from the effects of inflation in a positive way
Why a lot of credit and debt are just phantoms	Recognizing the indirect effects of assets and liabilities
Anticipating economic developments	Understanding of the money cycle and early recognition of economic developments
The right way to deal with crises	Correct behavior in crisis situations for business and personal success
What are short sales? (Betting on “falling prices”)	Explanation of the concept of short selling and “betting on falling prices”.
What you can learn from Abraham Lincoln	Lessons from the Life and Quotes of Abraham Lincoln
The bad conscience often speaks from the accusation	Recognize the impact of guilt and its importance in decision-making.

You will learn this and more in the “Financial Intelligence” Master Course. Here are 3 important topics briefly explained, from the course of Alex Fischer, which I would like to introduce briefly:

Distinction between investments and expenditures

A fundamental insight taught in this course is the distinction between investing and spending. It is important to understand that investments are designed to build wealth and achieve financial freedom over the long term, while spending tends to satisfy short-term needs. By understanding this distinction, participants can learn to use their money more wisely and pursue long-term financial goals.

Use of the laws of money

The course will focus on the fact that money follows its own laws. By understanding and applying these laws, participants can improve their financial situation. This means that they become aware of how they earn, spend and invest their money. By using the laws of money, they can change their attitude towards money and optimize their financial results.

Building a solid credit rating

Another important topic in the course is building a solid credit score. Participants learn how to improve their relationship with banks to obtain better credit opportunities. This includes understanding the factors that affect credit scores and learning behaviors that build a positive relationship with banks. A good credit score opens up opportunities for investment and allows participants to become more financially independent.

These three topics are central aspects of the course and provide participants with valuable knowledge and practical advice to improve their financial situation and achieve long-term success. By applying these concepts, participants can achieve their financial goals and build a solid foundation for their financial future.

Conclusion Master Course: My Experience

You are still thinking about whether it is worth booking a coaching? Read here everything important about the contents of the master course “Financial Intelligence” including course overview, conclusion, experience and final evaluation!

Alex Fischer ‘s Master Course is no ordinary course on money and finance. It is a transformative journey that delves deep into your innermost being and taps into your deepest emotions. With a passionate approach to the topic of financial independence, you will not only gain practical knowledge in this course, but also gain a new perspective on money and its impact on your life.

From distinguishing between investing and spending to using the laws of money for your personal success, this course covers important topics that can revolutionize your financial life. It offers valuable insights, practical advice, and proven strategies to improve your financial situation, change your mindset about money, and achieve your financial goals.

Get inspired and motivated by this unique master course that has the potential to change your life forever. Take control of your financial future and open the door to financial abundance and independence. This course is the key that can make your financial dreams come true. Invest in yourself and take this course to unleash your financial potential and live a life of financial freedom.

My evaluation of the Masterclass

From my experience from the master course, I would conclude with:

4.8 / 5.0 stars

More coaching from Alex Fischer?

Presented, detailed, with content, chapters, learning fields, with conclusion and evaluation. Everything you need to know.

• AF Coachings & Seminars
• Alex Fischer: Who is that?

Individual Masterclass Coaching:

• Leadership Power Coaching
• Homeowner Coaching
• Real Estate Investor Coaching
• Career Power Coaching
• Tax coaching

Over 10,000 participants in the coaching sessions:

Real Estate Investor Mindset:

Risk Minimization:

]]> https://lukinski.com/sell-apartment-and-stay-in-residence-real-estate-pension-models-comparison/ Tue, 21 Feb 2023 06:15:49 +0000 https://lukinski.de/sell-apartment-and-stay-in-residence-real-estate-pension-models-comparison/ Selling an apartment and staying put – Selling an apartment can be a good way for many people to create additional income or liquidity, especially if they are in a financially difficult situation. However, in most cases, it is not that easy to part with your familiar home and move to a new environment. There are several options that allow you to sell your home and still live in it. We explain how. Here’s a look at annuities, partial sales, reverse mortgages & more. Selling your own home and still staying in it is an ideal way to release your real estate assets without having to move out.

Sell your apartment & stay: Is that possible?

Selling an apartment allows you to improve your financial situation and still stay in your home. But in addition to improved liquidity, you can also enjoy a variety of other benefits.

Advantages: Improved liquidity & More freedom

For example, some models allow you to buy back your sold property at a later date. Your heirs can also be granted a priority right of repurchase. In addition, the released capital can be used to pay off loans, you and your family are relieved financially and you can enjoy your retirement without worries.

These are the advantages:

• Improved liquidity
• No need to move out
• Flexibility
• Regulation of the inheritance
• Repayment of loans

Disadvantages: Loss of ownership & steady costs

However, you should also consider the disadvantages. Depending on the model, you may no longer be able to dispose of the entire apartment despite a right of residence that has been granted, and you may be prohibited from renting or leasing out your property, for example. At the same time, you still have to pay for the maintenance of the property, the maintenance costs and property tax.

All disadvantages at a glance:

• Loss of property
• Renting / leasing prohibited
• Continuous costs

So all in all, there are both advantages and disadvantages when it comes to selling your apartment and still staying in it. Exactly which advantages and disadvantages you will have to reckon with ultimately depends on the model you choose.

The most important models at a glance

As mentioned above, there are a variety of options open to you that allow you to sell your apartment without having to move out of your familiar surroundings. We present them to you.

Partial sale: one-time immediate payment

With the partial sale of your apartment, up to 50% of your apartment is sold to a professional partial sale company. You receive the purchase price immediately. The lifelong usufructuary right is guaranteed to you under land register law and you pay a monthly fee to the partial buyer. The special feature of the partial sale: You may continue to rent and lease your apartment and thus generate additional cash flow. In addition, you can buy back the sold part in full.

The partial sale at a glance:

• Disposal up to 50% of the apartment
• Receiving an instant payout
• Assurance of the right of usufruct under land register law
• Payment of a monthly usage fee

Life annuity: Regular annuity payments

An alternative to the partial sale is the life annuity. This is an arrangement whereby you sell your home and in return receive a regular payment in addition to yours for the rest of your life. The amount of the monthly payment usually depends on the age of the seller and the value of the home. The older the seller, the higher the monthly payment. Compared to the partial sale, however, the life annuity does not guarantee you the right of usufruct, but only the right of residence.

The life annuity in summary:

• Sale of the complete apartment
• Additional pension payment
• Amount depending on property value & age
• Assurance of the right of residence

Whether a partial sale or an annuity, selling a home without moving out is an ideal way to give you a financial cushion without having to move out of your home.

Reverse mortgage: Apartment as loan collateral

A reverse mortgage also allows you to stay in your home after a successful sale. If you opt for a reverse mortgage, your home is used as collateral to obtain money from a lender. Unlike traditional mortgages, where the borrower pays interest and principal, a reverse mortgage does not require the borrower to make any payments. Instead, the loan amount is increased over time by the interest and fees and becomes due when the borrower dies or moves out.

Everything you need to know about reverse mortgages:

• Apartment as collateral for the lender
• No additional payments by the borrower

Usufructuary right or right of residence for sale & donation

Instead, however, it is also open to you to sell or give away your apartment and have the sole usufructuary right registered. In the case of real estate, the usufructuary right allows the usufructuary to occupy the property and use it as he or she sees fit, to earn rental income or to lease it out. The usufructuary right is often not limited to any specific period of time and ends as soon as the usufructuary dies.

Instead of a usufructuary right, a residential right can also be registered. In contrast to the usufructuary right, the right of residence only gives the right to use and occupy the property, but not the right to earn income from or rent out the property.

Conclusion: The advantages outweigh the disadvantages

If you would like to stay in your own four walls and increase your financial resources in the process, there are a variety of options open to you. These include the partial sale, the reverse mortgage, the annuity, the usufructuary right and the right of abode. Each of these concepts has its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is important to carefully review the terms to make the right decision. Some of the advantages are additional income, continuity and no relocation, while some of the disadvantages are loss of property, restrictions and costs.

So take enough time to compare the different models and make the best decision for you.

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