The skill and expertise of your chosen agent will be instrumental in attracting potential buyers to your property and negotiating a successful sale.

The way a property is presented however is a key contributing factor to achieving a prompt sale at market price. Good first impressions are vital, as is the need to appeal to the broadest range of buyers as possible.

Below are some tips for ensuring your property is presented in a way that gives it the best possible chance sell.

• Pre-marketing stage
  
  • Listen to your agent
    Listen to your agent's advice on a realistic marketing price. You may have in mind what you think your property is worth but your property should be valued based on condition and comparable evidence of actual property sales not properties on the market. Properties that are pitched either too high or too low may limit viewing interest.
  • Highlight key features
    You know your property better than anyone. Scrutinize the property descriptions used in sales particulars and on-line profiles to ensure the best features are highlighted. If you have good photographs of your property in different seasons provide your agent with access to these so that your property is seen in its best light i.e. you may have photographs of your garden in full summer bloom.
  • Property makeover
    Give your property a make-over. Paint tired walls in neutral colours or those in keeping with the style and period of the property. Clean windows, window frames and doors. Clean curtains and carpets.
    
    Kitchen and bathrooms are deemed the most expensive rooms to renovate. Unless your property offers a 'complete renovation project' improving these rooms can prove to be a good investment in the long run if they are likely to increase the level of offers. Depending on the likely return on investment, dated kitchen units can be cost effectively renovated by adding new doors, painting old ones and fixing modern fixtures. Many DIY superstores also offer great budget bathroom packages that, whilst are plain, can be enhanced by stylish tiling or accessories. If you are unsure whether it is necessary to make changes or on how much you should spend, seek advice from your agent.
  • External features
    If your property comes with a private driveway and garden remember these are key features. Create kerb appeal by ensuring any fencing is freshly painted or varnished, driveways are swept and refuge bins are out of sight. Pay special attention to your front door and windows. Ensure grassed areas are mowed well, borders weeded and shrubs and plants are pruned. If your garden and drive lack colour and plant life, investing in some pots with seasonal flowers can really improve the look and feel of a home. If your driveway is small consider parking elsewhere to increase the feeling of space. If you share access to your property take responsibility for ensuring communal areas are clean and tidy.
  • Maximise space
    Maximise the space in your property by removing any unnecessary furniture if possible and tidy away clutter. Although personal to you, clearing sides of ornaments and keepsakes can improve the overall feel of a property to prospective purchasers.


• Prepare for viewings
  
  • Availability
    Ensure your property is available for viewings as much as possible.
  • Keep the house clean and tidy
    Make sure that your property is kept clean and tidy. By keeping on top of household chores every day during the marketing phase of your home you will ensure the property is always ready to view.
    
    Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. Keep up-to-date with washing so that the laundry basket isn't overflowing. Make sure beds are made and bins are regularly emptied.
  • Involve the kids
    Involve children by using incentive charts to ensure they keep their bedrooms tidy.
  • Strong aromas
    If you know you have a viewing booked be aware what you cook in the days leading up to it. Foods like fish and curries can leave strong aromas that can put people off. Introduce pleasant fragrances into your home with plug-in sprays and fresh cut flowers.
  • Pets
    If you have pets ensure they are out of the way during viewings, that the property is cleaned of any hair and that any mess in the garden is picked up.
  • Vacate the property
    During viewings vacate the property if possible as potential buyers communicate more honestly with agents if vendors are not around, which in the long run will provide you with accurate feedback on your home.