1) Spring Clean

No, we don't mean a quick whizz around with the Hoover and wiping down your surfaces!  In order to make your home look tip-top, you'll need to hire in the professionals.  There are lots of companies these days that will undertake a deep clean of all areas of your home in one day - tackling things like grubby ovens, whiffy dishwashers, watermarks on shower screens, dirty windows, as well as vacumming in all those places you usually forget like under the bed.

2) De-personalise and Clear the Clutter

A potential buyer will want to see how THEIR furniture, pictures, rugs and ornaments will look in your home, so it's important to remove school certificates from the fridge and put away the family pictures in a drawer.  One of our mantras is: "The way you sell your home is very different to the way you live in a home", so imagine you're dressing your house like a shop window.  Don't underestimate how cathartic a good clear out can be - channel Marie Kondo and chuck out anything that doesn't bring you joy!

3) Clean and Neutral Decor

Yes, we know beige is 'bland', yes we know you simply adore your bright pink bedroom walls, but when it comes to attracting  buyers to your home, giving them a 'blank canvas' is really one of the best things you can do.  You'll be amazed at the new lease of life a fresh lick of paint throughout can give to your home. Don't forget to touch up scuffed skirting boards and clean tile grout, and make sure there are no wobbly door handles or blown light bulbs.

4) Interview Three Estate Agents

It's a good idea to interview at least three estate agents to get a range of valuations and options.  Don't automatically assume that the agent with the highest valuation or the lowest cost is the right one for you.  Be wary of an agent who comes in with a very high valuation - sometimes agents can overvalue your home just to win your instruction, only to advise you to reduce the price just days later.   As well as asking the key questions such as their fee and valuation, ask them to present their strategy for marketing your home: will they use a professional photographer and home stager? Will they use a professional copywriter to write the description?  Will you have to pay extra for photos or do they offer an all-inclusive service?  Do they offer additional marketing such as property videos or open house events?  Ask them what their tie-in period is and what you can do if you're unhappy.  Sometimes it all comes down to chemistry...selling your home is challenging and often stressful, so it's important to have a good rapport with your agent and feel that you can trust them.

5) Get your Paperwork Sorted

The conveyancing process is often held up because vendors realise after they've had an offer that there are missing building certificates, insurance papers or guarantees/inspection records for appliances such as boilers.  Getting all your paperwork sorted from the beginning can save a lot of time and frustration later on when you're holding up the chain!  Find a good solicitor and ask them to explain the process and costs involved. They may even be able to start some of the conveyancing work such as local searches early on in the process.  At home, make sure you have all your house paperwork easily accessible and in one file:  buildings certificates, insurance documents, appliance guarantees etc.

6) First Impressions Count - Inside and Out!

Did you know a buyer takes only 8 seconds on average to decide whether or not they like your home?  In many cases this could mean they've fallen in love or said 'I'm out' before they've even got through the front door.  First impressions really count so crank up the kerb appeal by starting from the outside in.  Clear weeds from the driveway and sweep up leaves and debris from pathways.  Invest in some flowering hanging baskets or greenery in pots to frame your front door and ensure handles and letterboxes are clean and polished.

7) Go With The 'Flow'

One of the best compliments we hear about great houses is how well the rooms 'flow.'  In the most attractive homes, each room has a clearly defined purpose and the layout makes perfect sense so that the spaces flow effortlessly.  Use your senses to check that your room layout makes sense and that every space has a purpose.  Is your spare bedroom full of old clothes, boxes of books or children's toys?  Has your dining room become a dumping ground of paperwork?  Are your kitchen surfaces covered with cereal boxes, half opened bottles of wine or rarely used herbs and spices?  No matter how great the rest of your house is, one bad room can kill the mood.  Don't forget that buyers are looking for reasons NOT to buy your home - don't give them one!