How much is your property worth? Here's how to find a strategically sound asking price

The right asking price is crucial to the success of a property sale. A price that's too high deters potential buyers and prolongs the sales process, while a price that's too low means giving away money. But how do you strike the right balance between your aspirations and reality?

Market value or asking price – what's the difference?

Many owners have a clear idea of ​​what their property should be worth. This assessment is often emotionally driven – after all, a house or apartment holds memories and represents personal investments. Market value, on the other hand, is based solely on objective factors: supply and demand, location, features, and condition. Those who ignore market value and instead cling to their desired price risk their property remaining unsold for months. Potential buyers closely monitor the market – if a property remains online for too long, it creates the impression that something is amiss. A realistic starting price, however, attracts attention and builds trust.

What factors determine the value of a property?

The value of a property is comprised of many individual factors. Location plays a central role: Higher prices are common in sought-after residential areas with good infrastructure and access to schools, shopping facilities, and leisure activities. The building's condition and age are equally important. Renovated properties with modern technology and energy-efficient features achieve significantly higher values ​​than properties in need of renovation. The current market situation also has a major influence. If demand is high in a region and only a few properties are available, prices rise. Conversely, rising interest rates or an oversupply can lower market values.

Pricing: Online tools, expert opinions or real estate agent valuation?

Numerous free online valuation tools provide an estimated value based on minimal information. While these tools offer a starting point, they cannot accurately account for the individual condition, micro-location, or specific features of a property. In contrast, a certified appraiser prepares a detailed market value appraisal according to legal requirements – ideal for legal or tax purposes, but often associated with high costs.
For owners looking to sell, an appraisal by an experienced real estate agent is usually the best approach. An agent understands the regional market, has access to comparative data from recent sales, and can therefore provide a well-founded assessment. Furthermore, they can help develop a sales strategy tailored to the target audience, market conditions, and price level.

 

Want to know the true value of your property? We analyze its location, condition, and market environment – ​​individually and without obligation. Take advantage of our free valuation service and find out what price you can currently achieve. Contact us – together we'll find the optimal path to a successful sale.

 

Notes

For the sake of readability, this text uses the generic masculine form. Female and other gender identities are explicitly included where relevant to the statement.

 

Legal notice: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice for any specific case. Please consult a lawyer and/or tax advisor to clarify the facts of your individual situation.

 

Photo: © Wordliner/Image created with OpenAI's Sora

 

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About the author

Harry Mohr

Real estate agent (Chamber of Industry and Commerce)

Harry Mohr, author of this article

Harry Mohr

Real estate agent (Chamber of Industry and Commerce)

Harry Mohr is a real estate agent and owner of Immobilien Kontor Saarlouis. As a DEKRA-certified real estate appraiser, he supports his colleagues and clients in all areas of real estate marketing.