This is likely the first interaction a buyer will have with your property, where high quality photos make a huge difference to the impression given. So, don’t wait until the property is on the market to declutter or do some paint work.

Prior to photos being taken, carry out a comprehensive decluttering of any unneeded items. Wide angle lens’s and software can maximise the brightness and room size in pictures, to give a truer impression of what the rooms look like. However too much clutter in a photo distracts and will not give an impression of space. A buyer wants to see how they can live in the house.

Giving a house with heavy wear and tear or a tired décor a lick of paint can give a clean fresh look to rooms. Bright neutral colours are safest, as they can provide a blank canvas for the buyer and brighten up the rooms. However, from a photograph point of view, can sometimes look bland so take care that the colours chosen will work well.

After viewing on the internet, a potential buyer may often drive around the area and take a look at the house externally to get a feel for the property. Cut the grass, get rid of any old pots or visible bins, cut back hedges or trees that may block sunlight or access to the house. Make sure the gutters are not overflowing with weeds and grass.

Again, this work should be done prior to the photos being taken, internet search results use a small thumbnail of the front photo, so it is vital this looks as good as possible.

This is where decluttering show’s it true benefits. We are not talking about creating a show house but removing enough personal items so that the focus is on the character of the house and not the occupants. You are selling space and the lifestyle, it’s important that the viewer can accurately see the property and not be distracted. Preferably box away items you don’t need to use. If you have a lot of kid’s toys, make sure these are just in one room and not spread throughout the house.

Naturally, the house should be clean but don’t panic if it’s not immaculate, viewers understand that the property is lived in. That being said, beds should be made, and clothes put away. Bathrooms and utility rooms are often forgotten about when cleaning but are of great interest to buyers.

If you have pets make sure they are left outside or preferably taken away from the house during viewings. Some love pets, some don’t. It’s important to air the house before viewings and remove items like the dog’s bed or litter trays, scented candles can help remove stale odours.

Do you have an unused room that’s filled with junk?

A room too small to be a bedroom?

Show how these spaces can be used. The small room might make an ideal study, put in some shelves, a desk and chair. The junk room should be cleared to show off the size and potential.

This is the time to catch up with those little jobs you’ve been avoiding for the past few years. You might need to replace some tile grout in the bathroom, repair cracks or holes in walls, the rotted wood around the outside of your house may need some long overdue attention. Pay particular attention to any light fixtures, cabinets, sinks and bathrooms that need attention.

Most buyers are looking for lots of natural light and brightness. It is important to maximise this. Get rid of net curtains and make sure curtains are pulled back for viewings. Windows should also be spotless. This is where bright and neutral paint colour on walls can lift the look of a room.

The lingering smell of freshly baked bread or brewed coffee have become clichés, but they do work, along with fresh flowers and scented candles they can set the right mood.

However, don’t forget to have light bulbs working and to have heating on during the winter months for likely viewing times, particularly important if you are away at work all day with the heating turned off.

We will help you with advice and recommendations. Remember we are not trying to criticise your property but to create a good impression for potential buyers. Your family home is more often than not your greatest financial asset, make sure you maximise the opportunity.