Good things take time

I realise that the key to success often lies in patience and perseverance. It is also important to get the timing right when selling. A good time is usually before Christmas. Sellers want to get rid of their property in the old year and not have any monthly charges in the new year. It is often possible to conclude deals shortly before the end of the year that would not have been possible during the year. A year ago, shortly before the end of the year, I had such a sales case.

I had a nice house for sale in the neighbouring village. However, the seller was expecting quite a high asking price. That wouldn't have been a problem, as the house had some special features that another house couldn't offer. However, there was also a catch: the house was on building rights land, i.e. not on her own land. Such plots are usually cheaper because, as with a leasehold contract, an extra building lease fee has to be paid. The much bigger problem, however, was that many banks had a problem with the financing of leasehold properties or would not finance them.

A young couple was quickly found for this really very neat and well-equipped house, and they immediately fell in love with it. The house would also be their first home together and they were keen to realise their dream of owning their own home. So they also took up my offer to go to a financial advisor with whom we were happy to co-operate. Due to her young age and therefore lower income, the financing commitment turned out to be less favourable than expected and the purchase price desired by the seller could not be achieved. As the bank did not want to finance a building lease, the option of purchasing the property was exhausted, which was also possible. However, further financial guarantees were required for this.

In short: there were several personal meetings with the seller and her mother, who wanted to support her daughter, who was also still quite young and had inherited the house, mentally and with advice. We were getting closer and closer to the desired purchase price, but at some point it came to an end and all the parties switched to stubbornness. In the end, however, it was only a matter of a few thousand euros, which is why a purchase price is usually never finalised.

In order to complete the whole thing in the old year, I suggested a final purchase meeting with all those involved on 31 December. We met at 9.00 a.m. in my office. To ensure a good To create a good atmosphere, I prepared a hearty breakfast. This also had a good effect and created a good atmosphere.

I brought the whole thing to a positive conclusion at 3.00 pm. Everyone gave in a little and with a written purchase offer, which was also immediately countersigned by the seller, the sale was finalised before the end of the year. On the same day, I instructed the notary to draw up the purchase contract.

The notary informed me that real estate income tax might be payable on part of the property, although this matter had been clarified from the outset and was no longer an issue. An expert therefore had to be commissioned before signing, who had to provide an estimate in this regard. The payment of the surveyor almost cancelled the purchase.

Behind the parties' backs, I discussed this again with the notary, as the seller was not prepared to pay a single euro more.

Although the valuer gave us a really good special price for his services, there were heated discussions about payment. I could understand this, especially as a valuer was never an issue before the purchase offer was finalised - these are always surprises that can happen before a purchase contract is signed.

In the end, the notary took over the payment from his fee.

So we were all able to celebrate a wonderful New Year's Eve after all!