For owners · 5 min
How to value a property correctly before selling
The comparison method, the adjustments that matter and the mistakes that keep a property on the market for months. A practical guide to a price that sells.
For owners
The seller guide
How to sell quickly at the right price: valuation, documents, preparing the home, marketing and signing, with an interactive checklist.
Step by step
10 steps, from idea to signature
- 01
Value the property correctly
Start from real comparables, not old listings or what you spent.
Free valuation - 02
Prepare your documents
Title, cadastre, land book extract, energy certificate, mortgage status.
Document list - 03
Fix issues early
Unauthorised alterations, area discrepancies, small debts. All of them delay a sale.
- 04
Prepare the home
Order, light, small repairs, neutral colours. Simple staging with a big effect.
Staging guide - 05
Professional photos and description
The first photo and title decide whether a buyer calls you.
Promotion packages - 06
Launch at the right price
The first weeks bring the most interest. Use the price thresholds buyers filter by.
List property - 07
Organise viewings
Group viewings and prepare answers on costs and documents.
- 08
Negotiate and accept an offer
Look at the buyer’s financing and timing, not only the price.
- 09
Preliminary contract and signing prep
Tax certificate, association certificate, notary booking.
Contract guide - 10
Signing, payment and handover
Receive payment by bank transfer and hand over against a signed report.
Taxes and fees
Budget
Costs to plan for
| Cost | Usually paid by | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer tax | Seller | Calculated by the notary based on holding period and value |
| Energy certificate | Seller | Issued by a certified auditor |
| Cadastre update | Seller | Only if there are discrepancies |
| Mortgage removal | Seller | If the property has a loan |
| Photos and promotion | Seller | Included in Empire Terra packages |
| Agency fee | As agreed | Set in the brokerage agreement |
Exact amounts and rates depend on current law and each transaction. Ask the notary for a written calculation.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does selling an apartment take?
It depends on price, area and preparation. A correctly valued, well presented property attracts interest in the first weeks.
Can I sell with an outstanding mortgage?
Yes, in coordination with the bank. The loan is repaid from the buyer’s funds, then the mortgage is removed.
Is an exclusive agreement worth it?
Exclusivity allows better promotion, a single price on the market and one point of contact for buyers.
What tax do I pay when selling?
Income tax on the transfer, calculated by the notary under the Fiscal Code. Ask for the exact calculation at the time of sale.
Go deeper
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Documents needed to sell an apartment in Romania: the complete list
Which documents to prepare before listing your apartment, what the notary asks for at signing and how to avoid delays that can cost you a buyer.
For owners · 4 min
Home staging and photos: how to prepare a listing that sells
Simple steps for a home that looks its best in photos and at viewings: order, light, neutral colours, plus how to write a description that convinces.
Empire Terra
Ready to sell?
Start with a free valuation and a marketing plan.