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There are lots of houses for sale in the Languedoc Roussillon region, south France: so make sure yours stands out from the crowd. Touch up the paintwork, splash out on some rugs, window boxes, a new shower curtain, some fresh flowers and whatever else it takes to give your property that certain je ne sais quoi. We’re not talking picture-postcard perfect – just appealing.
Ask yourself the 64 million dollar question: is your Languedoc house habitable? If someone can live in it while renovating, then you’re more likely to make a sale. What comprises “habitable” is a matter of opinion: running water and electricity (and a loo that you could bear to use!) are what most people would expect as a minimum.
Remember: beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A well-presented house in Languedoc can sell pronto at premium prices, but a smelly, scruffy hovel is unlikely to fly off anyone’s books (or website). Spring cleaning takes time but doesn’t cost money, so there’s really no excuse.
Blitz the garden. Mow the lawn, weed the flower beds, clear away broken toys, dog bones, empty bottles waiting to be recycled, and anything else unattractive (no off-white smalls on the washing line, please).
Ditch the junk. If part of your property is being sold unfinished, at least clean up the site so visitors can appreciate the potential of a clear space. Piles of rubble and rubbish are a no-no.
Holiday homes often need special attention, particularly if they’ve been shut up and/or unheated for long periods. Clean the windows, wash the curtains, and check for mould stains.
Help close the sale by adding some sweeteners. Make a list of what’s included in the sale price (throwing in some fixtures and fittings can tempt buyers) and price up anything else you’re selling separately (think lawn mowers, barbecues, garden furniture, pool covers and the like).
Being super-organised and extra-helpful can make a good impression. Have information to hand about how much taxe d’habitation and taxe foncière you have to pay, and any major works you’ve had done on the property, along with copies of bills and planning permission.
Pop into your town hall (mairie) and get a copy of the plan cadastre: mark your Languedoc home on it, adding relevant info about boundaries and rights of way. Providing this kind of detail can help speed up the selling process. If you’re selling a rental home, provide figures for occupancy and income (and don’t be tempted to make it up).
And finally… advertise your Languedoc home for sale in the most targeted and relevant media. If you’re going after the expat audience, then you’ll be better off looking at the specialist French property and lifestyle magazines (see our Books and Links pages for more details) and of course, attractive, well-designed, user-friendly websites like (ahem) Crème de Languedoc (well, you wouldn’t serve caviar on a dirty plate, would you?)
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