Preparing to sell: get your home – and yourself – ready
A good sale starts long before the listing goes live. The better prepared you are – on paperwork, repairs and your own expectations – the easier and faster the process. This guide takes you through what to have in order before selling.
Start with the timeline
A realistic sale typically takes 8–12 weeks from decision to signature. Plan backwards from the date you'd like to have moved.
- 8–12 weeks out: paperwork, repairs, photos, pricing
- 4 weeks out: listing live, marketing, open house plan
- 2 weeks out: viewings, open house, negotiation
- After the offer: lawyer, contract, closing
The paperwork – get it in order early
Missing paperwork is the most common delay. Gather ready for buyers and lawyer:
- Energy label (valid, certified consultant)
- BBR details and ownership costs
- Building inspection + electrical reports (confidence for the buyer, limits your liability)
- Floor plans/measurements and building permit
- HOA papers if apartment (bylaws, budget, minutes)
- Documentation for renovations and warranties
Know your home's numbers
Buyers compare and ask. Be ready with living area, plot size, energy label and ownership costs. Small errors (e.g. wrong area) cost credibility and money. Check numbers against BBR and measurements.
Repairs: fix or leave?
Focus on what buyers see and worry about: roof, moisture, electricity, heating. Small cosmetic fixes (cracks, holes, paint) are cheap and make a big difference. Major renovations (new kitchens, extensions) rarely pay for themselves – get an assessment.
Ask your building expert: "What will buyers react to?" – let that steer your priorities.
Price expectations – be realistic
Overpricing is the biggest mistake in self-sale: fewer visits, longer time on market, and it often ends lower. Compare with actual sales in the area (not just asking prices), and be ready to adjust after the first weeks.
- Find 3–5 comparable sold homes from the last 6 months
- Look at price per m², condition and location
- Be honest about where your home is stronger/weaker
Selling yourself – what's your role?
You handle marketing (see the social media guide), viewings and open houses (see the guide), negotiation of offers and the contract. Have a real estate lawyer review the purchase agreement before you sign – a few thousand kroner protecting one of life's biggest transactions.