First impressions count when selling a house:

First impressions are important.

• Check the front of the house, cut the grass, weed any flowerbeds, invest in a hanging basket, even paint the front door. Put the bin out of sight. Empty the garage and park the car outside the garage.
  
• Ensure when prospective buyers enter your property it smells fresh, try fresh flowers or a bowl of citrus fruits; or try smells such as coffee, fresh bread or vanilla. Open windows every day to bring fresh air into the house, opt for cleaning products with a 'natural' smell. Avoid cooking strong smelling foods such as fish before prospective buyers arrive.
  
  

Tips to make the best of your home:

• Make your home look it's best. Before selling a house go from room to room deciding where improvements could be made. Ensure each room in your house has a specific purpose, making it more appealing.
  
• Aim to create a sense of space. Tidy up and remove all clutter. Make use of any unused space to store and hide clutter. Use this as an excuse to get rid of any old junk.
  
• Touch up any areas that may need freshening up, such as chipped woodwork or mending dripping taps. However a complete redecoration may suggest you have something to cover up. A small investment in paint and cleaning materials could pay for itself several times over. As a guide if repairs need doing it is usually worth getting them done before selling a house or the value of your property may be reduced.
  
• Research shows that most buyers prefer natural colours. Pale, plain shades maximize the feeling of space and light.
  
• Dust and clean the whole house. Wash down paintwork and clean windows. Don't forget to make the bed! Remove all personal items such as family photos which may distract buyers. Remain as detached as you can when selling a house. Potential buyers have to visualise their belongings in your house so the less of you and your clutter the better.
  
  

Advice on when and how to sell:

• Selling a house when the UK market is at it's busiest, during spring and autumn, is most effective. Selling slows down considerably during late summer and around Christmas.
  
• It is advisable to be available for viewing at all times. You may wish to leave keys with your estate agent, but expect a phone call and as much notice as is possible.
  
• Ensure prospective buyers feel comfortable. Offer them a drink and allow them space to look round the house. Allow your prospective buyers as much time as they need and offer nothing but the opportunity to ask questions.
  
• A 'FOR SALE' board is a great way to advertise your home, every extra method helps. Try also advertising online on the internet.
  
• Don't be put off by an early offer. Decide what price is acceptable to you and invest time and effort getting that amount.