1. First impressions really do count

So many potential buyers see your property online first and many drive out to take a look for themselves before even deciding whether to book a viewing. The first impression they have of your home could put them off before they have even stepped through the door.

Buyers should be able to walk up your drive or park outside and imagine themselves living in your home, and also be excited to see what is inside. Take a step back and have an objective look at what they will be seeing. Does the front door look a bit tired and need a lick of paint? Are the bins kept outside? It might be time to put them behind the garden gate. Add a pop of colour with some hanging baskets or some window box flowers. It’s all about ‘kerb appeal’ and that first impression.

2. De-clutter, de-clutter, de-clutter!

It’s time to de-clutter and have a spruce up. It doesn’t have to be expensive, as your taste will almost certainly be different from the buyers anyway, but it’s always worth freshening up some rooms that need that lick of paint.

Make sure your rooms are clutter-free and feel as light and airy as possible – less is more. Mirrors are great for creating a sense of space, and a vase of flowers can add a pop of colour and a lovely scent to a room. Don’t go overboard on fragrances though as a buyer may think you’re trying to hide a nasty smell! When it comes to kitchens, make sure your surfaces are clean, clear of clutter and smell fresh. That goes for bathrooms too.

Often, too many personal effects can stop a buyer seeing themselves in your home so if you can easily remove some family photos from around the house before a viewing it will make a difference.

Remember your potential buyers may not have pets of their own or be allergic to them so it’s always best to ask a family member or friend to have them whilst there are viewings if possible. Remember to tidy up their beds or cages as well. This will also give the added sense of space.

3. Make sure each room has a purpose

Does your dining room double up as an office? This is the time to define each room for its own purpose. Seeing a dining table covered in paperwork can make it more difficult for a buyer to see the potential of a range of different living spaces.

4. Sell your garden

This is an important space for potential buyers. If your garden is a bit neglected, make an effort to clear clutter and tidy as much as possible to show the appeal of your outside space.

5. Let your agent carry out the viewing

If you’ve got buyers coming to see your house, this might be the time to go and grab a coffee and leave them be. Let them wander freely around the house with the estate agent.

6. ‘Smart’(en) up your house

Smart homes are becoming increasingly important for buyers so smart technology like Hive is something you should consider if it is cost effective to do so. You should also promote your broadband speed if it is good. Fibre optic speeds are incredibly important for some buyers, especially for those working from home, so shout about it.

7. Don’t forget the little things

If you’ve ever viewed a house, you’ll probably agree that nit-picking is difficult to avoid so make sure small niggles are taken care of too. When potential buyers are weighing up the merits of your home against others they’ve seen, you’ll want your home to come out on top. So whether it’s a stuck door, lightbulbs that need changing or a leaky tap - get the small niggles sorted.