Question 1

What is the difference between a well-founded valuation and an online estimate?

Accepted Answer

Online tools provide algorithmic reference values based on statistical comparison data. Individual factors such as condition, features, micro-location or legal particularities are not taken into account. A professional valuation includes all these aspects and provides a comprehensible, reliable assessment.

Question 2

How does a valuation work in practice?

Accepted Answer

After an initial conversation to assess your situation, a structured property analysis takes place on site. On this basis, we prepare a standard-compliant valuation in accordance with ImmoWertV and § 194 BauGB – with comprehensible derivation of all value assumptions.

Question 3

Which documents are required?

Accepted Answer

As a rule, we need a land register extract, cadastral map, living area calculation, energy certificate and, if applicable, tenancy agreements. If documents are missing, we support you in obtaining them.

Question 4

When is a valuation useful?

Accepted Answer

A professional valuation is always useful when a decision should be based on reliable figures: for a sale, inheritance, divorce, bank discussions or for your own asset assessment.

Question 5

What is the difference between market value, fair market value and asking price?

Accepted Answer

The fair market value describes the value that can likely be achieved under ordinary market conditions. The asking price, on the other hand, is the price at which a property is offered on the market. Both values do not have to be identical. A good sales strategy takes into account both the objective valuation and the current market situation and the positioning of the property.

Question 6

Which factors have a particularly strong influence on the value of a property?

Accepted Answer

In addition to location and plot, other factors include building type, year of construction, living and usable area, condition, modernisations, energy standard, floor plan and features. Legal and economic particularities can also influence the property value. The interplay of these factors is always decisive.

Question 7

How is a property professionally valued?

Accepted Answer

A professional property valuation takes into account not only comparison offers from property portals. Depending on the property, the methods and market data provided for in property valuation are used. In addition, plot, building, condition, usage possibilities and specific property characteristics are taken into account.

Question 8

What does a valuation according to ImmoWertV and § 194 BauGB mean?

Accepted Answer

§ 194 BauGB defines the fair market value of a property. The German Property Valuation Ordinance – ImmoWertV for short – provides the methodological framework for the valuation. This results in a comprehensible valuation that is not merely based on an automated online estimate or individual comparison offers.

Question 9

How are modernisations and renovation needs taken into account in the valuation?

Accepted Answer

The condition of a property has a significant influence on its value. Modernisations already carried out can have a positive effect, while necessary investments or renovation backlogs must be taken into account. What is decisive is not only what a measure once cost, but what influence it has today on the condition, usability and market value of the property.

Question 10

Can I have my property valued even if I don't want to sell it?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A valuation can also be useful independently of a planned sale – for example for an asset overview, for family decisions, before investments or if you simply want to know how your property is currently positioned on the market. More on our page Get your property valued.

Question 11

How long is a property valuation valid?

Accepted Answer

A property value is always a snapshot at a specific valuation date. Changes to the building, new market developments, interest rate levels or changed framework conditions can lead to the value changing later. For important decisions, a sufficiently current valuation should therefore be used.

Question 12

How long does a professional property valuation take?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the property, the scope of the valuation and the available information. After the inspection and recording of the relevant property-specific characteristics, the actual evaluation takes place. We coordinate the specific schedule with you in advance.

Question 13

What does a property valuation cost?

Accepted Answer

The costs depend on the type of property and the desired scope of the valuation. A simple professional assessment differs, for example, from a more comprehensive written valuation. Before commissioning, we clarify which form of valuation is sensible for your specific occasion and what costs will be incurred.

Question 14

When is a market value estimate sufficient and when do I need a more detailed appraisal?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the occasion. For a sale decision or an initial asset assessment, a well-founded market value determination can often be sufficient. For legal, tax or court-related matters, there may be special requirements regarding the form, content and comprehensibility of the valuation. In such cases, it should first be clarified which type of valuation is actually needed.

Question 15

How do I find the right selling price for my property?

Accepted Answer

The right asking price is crucial for sales success. A price that is too high can mean that a property remains on the market for a long time and later loses attractiveness through price reductions. A price that is too low, on the other hand, may give away considerable assets. The selling price should therefore be based on a well-founded valuation of the property, its location, its condition and the current market situation.

Question 16

Should I renovate my property before selling?

Accepted Answer

Not every renovation pays off when selling. Some measures significantly improve the first impression, others incur costs that are barely reflected in the selling price. We therefore first look at which work is actually sensible and which is better left to the future owner.

Question 17

Which documents do I need for a property sale?

Accepted Answer

Which documents are required depends on the property. Typically, land register information, floor plans, area details, energy certificate and, if applicable, further technical or legal documents are needed. For apartments, for example, the declaration of division and documents of the owners' association are added. We determine together what is needed for the specific sale.

Question 18

How long does it take to sell a property?

Accepted Answer

This cannot be answered in general terms. Location, property type, condition, pricing and demand influence the sales duration considerably. Our goal is not the fastest possible sale at any price, but a structured sales process at market-appropriate conditions.

Question 19

Does my property have to be publicly offered on property portals?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Depending on the property and situation, discreet marketing may be sensible. In other cases, targeted public marketing creates the necessary reach and the best competition among interested buyers. Which strategy is sensible should be decided on an individual basis.

Question 20

How do you prevent unnecessary viewings and viewing tourism?

Accepted Answer

Not every enquiry leads to a serious prospective buyer. Therefore, structured communication, pre-qualification of interested parties and sensible scheduling are part of a professional sales process. The goal is to conduct viewings with people who have a serious interest and fundamentally suitable prerequisites.

Question 21

Can I sell a rented property?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Rented properties can also be sold. An existing tenancy remains in principle and often influences both the target group and the valuation and marketing strategy. Precisely for this reason, it should be clarified before the sale begins whether the property is more suited to investors or, prospectively, to owner-occupiers.

Question 22

Do I have to disclose known defects when selling?

Accepted Answer

Known material defects should not be concealed. Transparent and professional preparation protects not only the buyer but also the seller from later disputes. At the same time, an existing defect does not automatically mean that a property is difficult to sell – what is decisive is a proper approach to dealing with it.

Question 23

What happens when a buyer is found?

Accepted Answer

After an agreement on the essential conditions, the preparation of the notarial purchase contract begins. Until the notarisation, various information and, if applicable, financing questions must be coordinated. Even after the notary appointment, we accompany the further process up to the handover of the property.

Question 24

Can I first find out without obligation what my property is worth?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Before you decide to sell, a professional estimate of the property value can be useful. You receive a well-founded basis to decide whether, when and on what terms a sale is an option for you. More on our page about Property valuation.

Question 25

What costs may arise when selling a property?

Accepted Answer

In addition to possible broker fees, further costs may arise depending on the property and starting situation. These can include, for example, the procurement of certain documents, an energy certificate or costs in connection with the cancellation of existing land charges. Tax aspects can also be relevant in individual cases. Which costs actually arise depends heavily on the specific property and personal situation. We therefore discuss at the outset which points are likely to play a role in your sale.

Question 26

How are Koppenhöfer's services remunerated?

Accepted Answer

In classic property brokerage, we work according to the usual success-based commission model. The specific conditions are agreed transparently in the brokerage contract before marketing begins. In addition, many of our services can also be commissioned individually. If, for example, you only want support with a valuation, the preparation of a property or another specific question, this does not automatically result in a full brokerage mandate.

Question 27

How do I find the right tenant for my property?

Accepted Answer

A suitable tenant is not solely the one who enquires first or shows the highest willingness to pay. What is decisive is the overall picture of personal impression, economic prerequisites and the question of whether tenant and property are a good long-term match. We therefore attach importance to a structured selection and checking of interested parties.

Question 28

How high can I set the rent for my property?

Accepted Answer

The appropriate rent level depends, among other things, on location, size, features, condition and type of property. In addition, the respective legal framework conditions apply. Before marketing, it should therefore first be clarified what rent level is realistic and justifiable for the specific property.

Question 29

How do you check prospective tenants?

Accepted Answer

We ensure structured pre-qualification of interested parties and check the information and evidence relevant for a rental decision. The goal is to give the owner the best possible basis for decision-making – the final selection of the tenant of course remains with the landlord.

Question 30

Which documents do I need for renting out?

Accepted Answer

Which documents are needed depends on the property. These can include, for example, floor plans, area details, information on features and operating costs, as well as an energy certificate. We clarify at the outset which information is actually required for professional marketing.

Question 31

How long does it take to find a suitable tenant?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the property, location, rent level and target group. A particularly fast rental is not automatically the best rental. Our goal is to offer the property on market terms while at the same time allowing enough time for a careful selection of suitable interested parties.

Question 32

How do you avoid unnecessary viewings?

Accepted Answer

Even before a viewing, we try to clarify whether the most important prerequisites and expectations of the interested party and the property fundamentally match. This allows viewing appointments to be allocated more specifically and unnecessary appointments to be reduced.

Question 33

Who decides which interested party gets the apartment?

Accepted Answer

The decision is always made by the owner. We prepare the rental, conduct communication with interested parties, accompany the selection process and compile the relevant information. On this basis, you can make a well-founded decision.

Question 34

Do you also prepare the tenancy agreement?

Accepted Answer

As part of a rental, we accompany the process up to the conclusion of the tenancy and coordinate with you which services are specifically needed. Which contract documents are used in the respective case is clarified within the scope of the mandate.

Question 35

Do you also accompany the handover of the property?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the agreed scope of services, the preparation and accompaniment of the handover can also be part of our work. A documented handover creates clarity for landlord and tenant about the condition of the property at the beginning of the tenancy.

Question 36

Should I renovate my property before renting it out?

Accepted Answer

Not every renovation is automatically economically sensible. What is decisive is which measures actually improve the rentability, the impression of the property or possibly the achievable rent. We can jointly assess which work appears sensible before a new rental.

Question 37

What does professional rental of a property cost?

Accepted Answer

The remuneration depends on the specific mandate and the desired scope of services. The conditions are agreed transparently before the work begins, so that you know which services are included and what costs will arise.

Question 38

Can I also commission individual services for my rental?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Not every owner needs full rental support. Depending on the situation, individual services can also be agreed separately. This way you can get support exactly where you actually need it.

Question 39

Can I bring an expert to a house viewing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Especially when you are seriously considering a property, professional accompaniment at the viewing can be sensible. We look at the property together with you on site and help to better assess the condition, visible irregularities and possible need for action. The property does not have to be brokered by us.

Question 40

When is a buying advisory useful?

Accepted Answer

A buying advisory is particularly useful when you basically want to buy a property but still have uncertainties about the condition, purchase price or possible follow-up costs. Especially with older houses or properties with already visible modernisation needs, a second professional perspective before the purchase decision can be very helpful.

Question 41

What do you look at during a viewing?

Accepted Answer

We look at, among other things, the general building condition, visible damage and irregularities, moisture, windows, heating and technical systems, modernisation condition, possible renovation needs, plot and outdoor facilities, as well as floor plan and usage possibilities. Which points are particularly relevant always depends on the respective property.

Question 42

Can you assess whether the purchase price is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

We can professionally classify the asking price in the context of the property, its condition, its location and the current market situation. This is not just about a single number, but also about whether price, condition and possible future investments fit together plausibly overall.

Question 43

Do I have to send you documents before the viewing?

Accepted Answer

No. For the initial contact, we do not need any property documents. In a brief free preliminary discussion, we discuss which property is involved and when the viewing takes place. The focus of our buying advisory is on the joint appointment on site.

Question 44

What happens if defects are discovered during the viewing?

Accepted Answer

We explain how we assess the visible irregularities and what impact they may have on your purchase decision. If a point should be investigated further, we raise it openly. This way you can decide before the purchase whether additional information or a more in-depth professional examination is necessary.

Question 45

Does the buying advisory replace a full appraisal?

Accepted Answer

No. The buying advisory is a professional accompaniment at the viewing and helps you to better assess the property and possible risks. A formal appraisal or an in-depth investigation may be useful in addition, depending on the question.

Question 46

What does a buying advisory cost?

Accepted Answer

The initial telephone consultation is free of charge. The costs for the on-site accompaniment depend on the specific mandate and are coordinated with you before the appointment. This way you know what costs will arise before commissioning.

Question 47

When should I take care of the financing?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, before a concrete purchase decision is made. Anyone who knows their financial framework can select properties more realistically and act more quickly when a suitable property is found. At the latest when a property is seriously considered, the financing should be specifically checked.

Question 48

How much equity do I need for a property financing?

Accepted Answer

This cannot be answered in general terms. Banks take into account, among other things, income, creditworthiness, property value and existing equity. In principle, a higher equity share can make financing easier and have a positive effect on conditions. Financing with low equity can also be possible under certain conditions.

Question 49

What types of financing are available when buying a property?

Accepted Answer

The most common form is the annuity loan with a regular instalment of interest and repayment. In addition, there are, for example, variable loans, building savings models or combinations of different financing components. Which structure is sensible depends, among other things, on income, equity, desired planning security and personal life planning.

Question 50

What ancillary purchase costs do I need to consider in a property financing?

Accepted Answer

In addition to the actual purchase price, further costs regularly arise when acquiring a property. These include, in particular, real estate transfer tax as well as notary and land register costs. Depending on the purchase, broker costs may also arise. These amounts should be included in the financing planning from the outset.

Question 51

Why can a financing broker be more sensible than just your own bank?

Accepted Answer

A bank can primarily offer its own financing products. A financing broker, on the other hand, can compare offers from various banks and financing partners. This allows, for example, interest rate, repayment, fixed interest period, special repayment options and other contract conditions to be compared. Which financing fits best, however, always depends on the personal situation and the specific property purchase.

Question 52

What is a financing confirmation and why can it be important when buying a property?

Accepted Answer

A financing confirmation shows the seller or broker that the financing of the planned purchase has been fundamentally checked. Especially with several interested buyers, financing that has already been prepared can facilitate the further process and show that the purchase has been financially prepared realistically. However, a financing confirmation is not automatically equivalent to a final loan commitment.

Question 53

What does a fixed interest period mean?

Accepted Answer

The fixed interest period determines how long the agreed debit interest rate of a loan remains unchanged. During this period, there is planning security regarding the interest rate. After the fixed interest period expires, a residual debt may still exist, for which a follow-up financing is then required.

Question 54

What does repayment mean and how high should it be?

Accepted Answer

With repayment, the borrowed loan is paid back step by step. A higher repayment basically means that the residual debt decreases faster, but at the same time increases the monthly burden. The appropriate repayment should therefore fit the financial situation, the desired term and personal planning.

Question 55

What is a special repayment?

Accepted Answer

A special repayment makes it possible to repay part of the loan in addition to the regular monthly instalments. This can reduce the residual debt faster. Whether and to what extent special repayments are possible depends on the respective loan agreement.

Question 56

What is the difference between purchase price, fair market value and mortgage lending value?

Accepted Answer

The purchase price is the price actually agreed between buyer and seller for a property. The fair market value describes the value that can likely be achieved under ordinary market conditions. The mortgage lending value is determined by the financing bank according to its own guidelines and serves to estimate the value of the property used as long-term loan security. Purchase price, fair market value and mortgage lending value can therefore differ from each other.

Question 57

What does loan-to-value ratio mean?

Accepted Answer

The loan-to-value ratio describes the relationship between the amount of the loan and the mortgage lending value of the property set by the bank. The lower the loan-to-value ratio, the greater the security for the bank as a rule. This can influence the financing conditions offered. The loan-to-value ratio is therefore one of several factors that banks take into account when calculating a property financing.

Question 58

What funding is available when buying a property or renovating?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the project, different funding programmes may be considered, for example for energy-efficient construction, energy renovations or certain buyer groups. Funding programmes, conditions and requirements can change regularly. Therefore, as part of the financing planning, it should be checked which programmes are currently available for the specific project.

Question 59

Who can apply for funding?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the respective funding programme. Funding can be aimed, for example, at buyers, owners, builders or people who want to modernise or energetically renovate an existing property. Often, certain technical, personal or financial requirements must be met. The right timing is also important: with some funding programmes, the application must be made or a funding commitment obtained before certain contracts are concluded or measures are started.

Question 60

Does Koppenhöfer also support with property financing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have been working with experienced financing partners for many years and can establish direct contact on request. The individual financing advice, the examination of possible financing solutions and the actual loan brokerage are then carried out by the respective financing partner. This allows property selection and financing to be coordinated at an early stage.

Question 61

Can I commission services individually?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can commission individual services such as valuation, photo shoots, floor plans or document preparation in a targeted manner and combine them as needed. This creates individual solutions without unnecessary scope.

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