TRUST THE EXPERTS WITH THE SALE OF YOUR PROPERTY
Always there for you
Selling a property is never trivial. The support of an experienced professional is indispensable. We have forty one years of experience and are here to assist you. We can help you decide on the right price for your property, i.e. the right price for the market, and the right sales strategy. As we know, these are the two essential parameters for a successful sale.
With 700 sales yearly, we are one of the leaders in the French-speaking property market. We handle all requests seriously and with professionalism.
With our expertise, experience and unique knowledge of the market, we will be by your side at every step of the sale of your property.
This document helps to explain all of these different steps along the way. Over the pages, you will discover the key points for a successful sale and the working methods we use to achieve that.
Welcome to Cardis Sotheby's International Realty.
Luca Tagliaboschi Partner, CEO
Do
you know
Sotheby's International Realty ?
Sotheby’s International Realty, a branch of the fine art auction house of the same name, has become one of the leading networks of estate agents in the world.
Established in 1976, it is a key market player today. Sotheby’s International Realty has 1'100 offices across 84 countries. So linking your property with the Sotheby’s International Realty name means adding value to it. With the brand’s substantial network, you will immediately increase the attractiveness of your property, especially in the international market. And this increased visibility will maximise your chances of finding a buyer. This global positioning makes foreign property transactions easier.
Access to Sotheby’s International Realty’s address book is a real privilege, an undeniable advantage over the competition and a level of exclusivity that only Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty can offer you in French-speaking Switzerland.
Thanks to the « Confidential Program », you will also have the option of marketing your property on a confidential basis. This program allows you to promote your property subtly and discretely within the Sotheby’s International Realty network, where it can also be offered to key Sotheby’s Auction House clients.
84 countries and territories
1'100 offices all over the world
26'100 brokers 49 years of experience
157 milliards annual sales ( USD )
Why sell your property with us?
The number one criterion for a perfect sale is undoubtedly the price. The price estimate for your property is an important step. So it is critical to assign this task to someone who knows the market, who has the necessary expertise to set the right sale price for your property and define an appropriate sales strategy.
We are well known and respected in the property market. Our expertise obtained over many sales has made us one of the major players in the industry. You can benefit from our expert advice, especially on legal and financial matters, and from our high-performance global marketing skills. With adverts in the press, on social media, on specialist websites and in the windows of our branches, you can rest assured that your property will be visible.
Beyond this massive visibility, your advert will also be checked by a targeted audience who are interested in properties like yours. We will work with you to choose the most appropriate channels. At the same time, we will make sure that potential buyers have sufficient assets. This is an essential stage as more and more buyers are having finance applications refused.
So we will put everything in place to support you, accompany you and help fast-track the process. We are there to answer questions from potential buyers and organise and manage viewings. We can also assist you in putting together the necessary documents in order to prepare a complete, efficient sale portfolio which is indispensable for future buyers, banks and solicitors. By putting your trust in us, you can sell your property with confidence within an optimum timeframe of three to six months.
The keys to a successful property sale from Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty
SOTHEBY’S IS A BRAND OF EXCELLENCE
• Affiliation with the premium Sotheby’s International Realty property network
• Built on centuries of tradition and dedicated to innovation within the property sector
• Unique, high-quality service, expertise and professionalism
• Exceptional property standard
THE LARGEST NETWORK
• The largest network in the world for prestige property
• Unrivalled exposure and innovative technology
• Presence in 84 countries and territories
• 1'100 offices all over the world, 26'100 agents
SUBSTANTIAL TURNOVER
• Average of 3 properties sold per day ( all property types and all price ranges )
• More than 700 sales yearly
• Sale of your property in 3 and 6 months
GUARANTEEING THE GREATEST VISIBILITY
• Swiss property portals and the major international property portals
• Social media
• Our newsletter sent out to our 60'000 clients
• Selected print media : specialist magazines, the luxury magazine La Sélection
EXCLUSIVE BROKERAGE
• More than 18 regions across the whole of French-speaking Switzerland
• More than 80 agents
• Valuation of your property at the best market price
• Portfolio of more than 60'000 buyer clients
TAILORED MARKETING SERVICE
• Package of visual content : professional photos and videos / virtual 3D tours / drone imaging / home staging / creation of floor plans / putting up signs
• Sales brochure
• Tailored communication strategy
• Specialist in « off-market » marketing
CARDIS ACADEMY AND SUPPORT
• In order to guarantee excellent services, our staff undergo continuous training
• Personalised support and assistance for our clients every step of the way
• Established network with the primary financial institutions
What are our commitments ?
• Provide an objective analysis of your property
Nothing is more important than professional support. And this is all the more true for property sales in a strictly regulated market in constant evolution. As a premium property expert, we undertake to :
• Give a fair estimate in order to set a price with you which is appropriate to the current property market
• Put in place targeted and effective marketing campaigns
• Provide personalised monitoring and showcasing of your property
• Sell your property on the best terms, at the best price and within the best timeframe
• Assist future owners in obtaining mortgage financing
• Finalise the sale with the solicitor
• Support you as far as completion and even beyond if you wish to purchase your own dream property !
How to enhance your property’s value ?
There are some simple principles which can be applied in advance or during viewings in order to enhance the value of your property :
Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty carried out two property transactions on my behalf, the purchase of a new apartment in a promotion and the sale of a house with two apartments. These two transactions were handled to my complete satisfaction, at the agreed terms and within the anticipated timeframes, all with capability, efficiency and professionalism. All my contacts with the team in charge of these two transactions were a real pleasure, with a friendly atmosphere throughout.
J.-J. Lomazzi
Producing a complete, high-quality sales brochure. In order to do this, you need to prepare all the necessary documents, such as information on fees, plans, all works carried out and, of course, the history of the property. For an apartment, think about providing minutes and accounts, PPE costs, land registry information. Based on this, your partner agent can use our efficient tools to produce a proper sales brochure to add value to your property.
Have you heard of home staging ? This fashionable concept is all about modernising and depersonalising your home to help it sell more easily. In some cases, this home staging can help conquer the hearts of potential buyers. Sometimes, a simple adjustment can speed up the sales process or increase the sale price. In order to optimise your chances of getting someone to fall in love with your property, make sure it is properly clean and tidy for the photographs. The rooms should not be cluttered with furniture and personal decorations, removing them will make the spaces lighter.
The photos are definitely one of the key points when it comes to enhancing the value of a property. They are the first thing that potential buyers will see. They will then make the decision on whether to view your property based on how the photos make them feel. Your Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty agent will use a professional photographer who will also restyle and produce a virtual 360° tour and drone imaging if required. We also propose making a video of your property. Videos attract buyers’ attention and have proven to be very effective in adding value to property.
Together with your agent, you can choose the best distribution channels to give your property visibility. Based on his experience, he can guide you through the web portals which will show your advert. Your advert will be seen by targeted, interested viewers. Your agent will already have showcased your property to his database of more than 50'000 potential clients.
For the viewings, the whole property must be clean and tidy. This gives viewers an excellent first impression.
What is an « optimised price » ?
The difficulty when selling a property is getting the right price. Not too high as it will put off potential buyers. Not too low as you will lose money. The « right price » is an honest price which takes into account an important factor : time. Effectively, the speed of the sale is a key parameter.
So, ultimately, the « right price » is a figure which allows the vendor to find a new buyer within three to six months. During the first six months, your property is still considered new. Rare and unique, it attracts viewers. It sparks desire. By contrast, after several months on the market, potential buyers are reticent to view your property. They start asking questions and wondering why it is still for sale. In order to get more viewings and inspire potential buyers to do something, there is only one option : reduce the price.
As the novelty value is key to the sale of a property, it is important to set the right price from the outset with the aid of a property professional in order to have the best possible chance of selling on the best terms.
The whole sale will depend on this price. If you put your trust in an expert from Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty, you can be certain that the proposed price for your property is correct and right for the market, which will make a difference in ensuring a happy outcome for your sale.
Thanks to his wide network, his knowledge of the market and the company’s reputation, your Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty agent can start by proposing a price at the high end of the market. At this stage, we talk about an optimised sale price ( see table on next page ). At this price, the professional agent knows that there is a little room for manoeuvre if necessary. By agreement with you, he can adjust the price to accelerate the sale and negotiate with a little more freedom. The priority is to sell your property at the best price.
Link between property price and sale time
Exclusivity
Over-estimated price
Sale price too high is risking that buyers are not coming for a viewing. The second risk is being forced to lower the price after a few months.
Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty added value
Thanks to his extensive network and based on the « new on the market » effect, your expert can place your property in the high end of the price range with room for negotiation.
Optimised price
This gives the room for manoeuvre which allows your agent to negotiate an adjustment in order to speed up the sale. This optimised price is still at the high end of market pricing.
Market value
Optimum price at which the property will sell quickly.
Factored value
Factors include geographic location, environmental factors and the strengths and weaknesses of your property.
Technical value
Gross value of your property, often used as a reference by bankers.
Exclusivity of Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty
There is a 3-week off-market teaser period in order to maximise the sale price. Your property will be showcased discretely to our clients, who will have the privilege of finding out about it first. There are two main advantages to this strategy : you can test the market without exposing your property and also you will have privileged buyers who will not try to negotiate on the sales price. This is only possible with personalised, tailored and professional marketing and our unique address book which is made available to us through our collaboration with Sotheby’s. In order to guarantee the success of this strategy, the agent needs to have full control over marketing through an exclusivity arrangement. A review is carried out after 3 weeks in order to set the sales process in motion or, if applicable, adapt the price in order to put it on the market.
H Depreciated value
Under-estimated value for a property. This is often the result of an over-elevated starting price or poor marketing.
What are the main stages in the sale of a property ?
There are always stages in the selling process. There is nothing better than the help and support of an industry expert in order to overcome them. Your Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty agent will provide a complete service throughout the sales process. He will be there to help and support you at every stage.
Definition of sale price
( see page 12 )
Organisation of viewings
Your agent will handle client requests as efficiently as possible. He organises viewings and contacts potential buyers.
Creation of presentation folder
An optimised, global marketing strategy is planned. At the same time, your agent will consult clients looking for a property.
Publication of the advert
The advert for your property is published on the web and in specialist magazines and also posted in our windows. We will ensure it is perfectly showcased and will effectively target future buyers.
Price negotiation
Once an offer is received, the negotiation process between the vendor and the buyer can begin. The agent is there to enable the two parties to reach a solution which suits everyone and also to help the potential buyer organise finance.
Signing with the solicitor
Your agent is in charge of taking the necessary steps for the preparation of the draft purchase agreement, he organises the official sale with the solicitor then accompanies the buyer and seller through the exchange of keys and inventory
What do you need to know about tax ?
Selling a property raises all sorts of questions on tax which are specific to each situation and each canton. The answers to these questions depend on various individual parameters. So it is essential to be able to imagine all the scenarios with a trained, experienced professional. Your Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty agent is there to answer all your questions. Here are a few points that can come up, depending on your situation and your interests, which can make a good starting point for a discussion on tax issues with your agent :
FISCAL REINVESTMENT
Under some circumstances, it is possible to defer payment of tax on property gains. The tax for which payment is deferred is not subject to interest. However, if payment is made 10 or 20 years later, inflation can work in your favour.
FINANCING THROUGH LPP
If you used a second pillar ( yours or that of your spouse ) for your purchase, you must restore the capital withdrawn from the pension fund at the point of sale, unless you have repaid it in the meantime. As a reminder, the second pillar funds can only be withdrawn to finance the purchase of a primary residence, secondary or holiday residences are not included.
REPAYMENT OF YOUR MORTGAGE
Do you have a variable rate mortgage for an undefined period ? It is worth knowing that your bank could impose a period of 6 months’ advance notice before it can accept repayment of the loan. You have taken out a fixed rate loan for a period of 5 years, for example, and you decide to sell your property just 3 years after the start of the mortgage contract. Your bank could also demand an early repayment penalty.
Whatever the situation, your agent will be happy to discuss it with you. He will be there to answer your questions.
TRANSFER OF YOUR MORTGAGE DEBT
If you wish to sell your property and there is still a remaining period on a fixed rate mortgage, whoever purchases the property can often take over the mortgage. If the owner agrees, both parties can benefit based on the existing mortgage rate. In this case, the vendor need not pay the redemption fee and the buyer can get a mortgage at a more favourable rate than a new mortgage. Easier still, if you are selling your home and buying another at the same time, you can probably keep your old mortgage and use it to finance the new property.
RENEWING A FIXED RATE MORTGAGE AT A VARIABLE RATE
As the owner of a property, you have probably taken out a mortgage at a fixed rate. If you wish to sell your property and your loan is close to the end of its term, you have the option of renewing your mortgage at a variable rate. The advantage of this is that it gives you plenty of time to complete the sale at your leisure without financial issues.
FRIBOURG
However, if the gain exceeds CHF 400'000 on the sale of a property which has been owned for less than 5 years, the rate will be 40%.
NEUCHÂTEL
Resale
DO YOU HAVE A PROPERTY TO SELL ?
As property experts, we have been passionate about supporting our clients and providing them with results for more than 38 years.
I had the pleasure of dealing with Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty. Congratulations on this excellent, efficient and caring, accessible and comprehensive service. Thank you again.
Alexandra W.
Our agents are at your disposal to help you estimate the right price for your property, enhance its value and guarantee you a sale at the best price possible and within a great timeframe. They will accompany you as a partner from valuation to completion with the solicitor in order to give you all the peace of mind you need during this important stage of your life.
SELL WITH AN EXPERT
We will help you with every step of your transaction.
Your main objective is to sell at the best price within a good timeframe.
We set the « right » price for sale, taking the current market into consideration, in order to finalise the sale.
You have access to the prestigious Sotheby’s International Realty brand and its international clientèle.
We manage the viewings, the negotiations with future buyers and any financial or legal questions.
You can benefit from our services to showcase your property and optimise its appeal.
Contact one of our 80 experts today for an estimated value for your property.
Luxury
A specialist service dedicated to exceptional properties.
It was a real privilege to be able to handle this transaction with you. The whole thing was fluid and to the satisfaction of both parties and all in a spirit of trust, humanity and transparency. Throughout this first stage, we appreciated your great kindness and your perfect expertise in the matter, which was very precious and reassuring for us. We appreciated your efficiency and your discretion and would like to thank you very much.
L. et A. Perrelet
At Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty, exceptional properties always have the wind in their sails. This excellent background is reinforced by the solid experience we can call on in this rare category of properties. We have a large address book of buyers to rely on and an excellent portfolio of luxury properties for sale in French-speaking Switzerland.
Our years of experience have taught us that exceptional properties need a tailored marketing and communication strategy and monitoring at every stage. This is why we have a dedicated department for this. We produce a unique sales strategy for each property and our approach also means that each property is also monitored by our Exceptional Properties Officer, who is a dedicated agent and also a member of the board.
An « off-market » strategy is often preferred. It is also one of our specialities. Properties are marketed with the greatest of discretion, visible only to our exclusive client list and to international clients of the number one property network in the world : Sotheby’s International Realty ! Finally, we can also count on our collaboration with the Sotheby’s auction house, which gives us direct access to clients wishing to invest in exceptional properties.
New build projects
THE FRENCH-SPEAKING LEADER IN NEW BUILD PROJECTS
The name Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty is synonymous with leadership in the steering and marketing of property promotions in French-speaking Switzerland. Use our expertise and our network to make your property dreams come true.
We believe that a successful new build project is the combination of perfect technical design and construction and successful planning. From researching the perfect site to selling the last unit, we can show you why Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty absolutely merits its reputation as an expert in new build projects and property developments.
ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The environment and sustainable development are no longer just commitments for the future, they are fundamental parameters for all our new projects in the present day !
At Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty, we embrace the new challenges linked to sustainable development and ensure they are carved intrinsically into the values and ethics of our company. Instead of seeing the restrictions, we see the new opportunities and the innovation for everyone’s benefit. It is a vision which gives us motivation as a major player in the property sector to accept our responsibilities and doing our utmost to highlight the sustainable nature of the property and target new standards and certifications in the field.
DO YOU OWN AN INTERESTING HOME AND/OR LAND ?
Do you know the potential of your house and/or your land ?
With the advice and support of the expert from Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty, we were able to achieve an excellent result for the sale of my land.
Jean T.
IS YOUR HOUSE GETTING TOO BIG FOR YOU ?
IS YOUR LAND GETTING DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN ?
Our team studies and values properties, land and their potential for development.
We can show you all the options available to you, i.e. :
Detailed study of the potential project for your land
Valuation of the land with a construction plan
Dividing the land into plots
Sale of the land
Proposed purchase
Monitoring and support throughout the project
Contact us and we will find the best solution to your situation !
Make the move to sustainable investment
With more than 40 years of expertise, we put our know - how to work to provide comprehensive support to meet investors' needs.
STRONG INVESTMENT POTENTIAL
Whether you choose a mixed, commercial, craft, industrial or residential property and you are an institutional or private investor, our dedicated team will look for the best fit for your plans.
New emerging trends allow a glimpse of major growth opportunities in different types of real estate investments.
WE ANALYSE MARKET TRENDS
Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty is rapidly growing and wants to focus specific attention on the market.
With our position as a major actor in the investment property sector, we are committed to offering you the full scope of our solid and extensive expertise, including :
• Precise analysis following Swiss real estate standards.
• Off - market investment opportunities.
• The best sustainability practices ( ESG ) in accordance with current expectations.
• Solid long-term partnerships for your projects.
OUR INVEST SERVICE WILL SUPPORT YOU TO :
DIVERSIFY YOUR PORTFOLIO
Diversified investment solutions in Switzerland and abroad adapted to your investment property and asset needs.
OPTIMISE YOUR YIELDS
Our specialist analyses that allow your portfolio to be optimised while pointing out the possible risks will help you in your decision-making.
INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENTS
Our solid expertise will allow you to create added value over time, by seizing the most attractive investment opportunities for your investment strategy.
ENERGY ADVICE
We maximise the value of your property by optimising its energy efficiency and environmental performance.
The area we cover
Neuchâtel
Estavayer-le-Lac
Echallens Yverdon = activity areas
Morges
Nyon
Geneva • Nyon • Morges • Lausanne • Echallens • Yverdon • Riviera • Chablais
Villars-sur-Ollon • Valais • Fribourg • Neuchâtel • Berne • Gstaad • Biel • Estavayer-le-Lac
Lausanne
Geneva
Riviera
Villars
Sion
Martigny
Gstaad
Fribourg
Bulle
Berne
Biel
Chablais
Who are we ?
Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty is a company of property experts who are passionate about estate agency and marketing new build projects. It has become a leading brand in the valuation and sale of property.
With more than 40 years of experience and 120 members of staff, the company is passionate about its clients. Its 80 agents complete nearly two sales a day in a complex, sometimes capricious market. These sales average at 700 a year and cover all budgets and all buyers. The sales volume for half of them is between 400'000 and 2 million Swiss francs.
Whatever the estimated value of your property, we will do everything we can to help and support you through the process. Our high-performance marketing campaigns are targeted for immediate results. For each of us, the objective is to gain your confidence so that together we can sell your property for the right price within a short timeframe.
Our Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty experts market new build projects, buildings, land, resale properties and prestige estates.
Our company is headquartered in Lausanne but active primarily in the following regions : Geneva, Nyon, Morges, Lausanne, Echallens, Yverdon, Montreux, Fribourg, Biel, Bern, Neuchâtel, Valais, Villars-sur-Ollon and Gstaad. So our range covers the Lake Geneva area, Chablais, Valais, Fribourg, Neuchâtel, the Berne region and various mountain resorts ( Villars, Champéry, etc. ).
+ 18 regions in Switzerland + 40 years of experience
Billions of CHF ( total volume of sales in 2021 ) + 80
13
expert agents in the property market + 120 employees 700
average number of sales per year
Administrative Board
Lucien Masmejan Chairman of the Administrative Board
« A clear objective and an excellent team are the keys to the success of the company and, more importantly, that of our clients. »
Luca
Tagliaboschi Administrator, CEO and Director of West Region
« Building bespoke properties, listening to our clients, providing them with the best possible service, these are the values that our 80 agents uphold on a day-to-day basis. »
Alexandre Baechler Administrator and Director of East Region
« We are perfectionists at heart and our passion for the property industry gives us more reasons to give the best of ourselves every day in order to keep our clients satisfied. »
Philippe Cardis Assistant Administrator
« The property market is changing all the time. At Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty, we have always been focussed on anticipating these changes and providing the solutions that best meet our clients’ needs. »
Yves Cherpillod Administrator
« Considering the best victories are the fruit of good teamwork, I have put together a team of supportive agents who are passionate about their job and about the excellent service we give to our clients. »
Mike Baur Administrator
« Cardis Sotheby’s International Realty can take pride in constant growth and reliance on innovation in order to deliver the best service and results to its clients. »