The road to selling can be long and daunting but getting the most out of your property is easier than you think.

First impressions count

Nothing is more important than a first impression so make it a good one. Consider what potential buyers may think when they drive up to your property for the first time. Is it attractive, clean, welcoming and well maintained? Mow the lawn, tidy the drive and de-clutter exterior porches. Add potted plants, an outside light and revamp the door. Kerb appeal is what brings potential buyers in and sets your home apart from the competition. Remember you have to get buyers through the front door and if nothing else, your house should at least look better than your neighbours’.

Choose the right price

If your home is priced too low, you’ll miss out on some money but if it’s too high, you won’t get as many offers. While you might be tempted to start with a high listing price to see what happens, overpricing can be a bad strategy. If a house has been on the market for a long time, people will assume that it hasn’t sold because something is wrong with it.

Depersonalise and declutter

It’s important to make sure potential buyers can envision their family in the house so take down anything that largely relates to your family life, religion or political stance. Another top tip to selling your home is to get rid of all traces of pets. Not everyone loves animals and buyers don’t want to walk in and see a bowl of pet food or cats lying on the furniture.

Get repairing

As they inspect the house, a buyer wants to see that everything works, including doors, locks, draws in kitchens and bathrooms, toilets, sinks, and lights. It’s also important not to ignore necessary repairs. If a buyer can see minor mistakes, it will alert them to think about the damage that they cannot see.

A fresh lick of paint

You may decide to renovate your house to sell so bear in mind that neutral colours are always best and kitchens and bathrooms are the most important rooms to prospective homebuyers. These rooms should not look like they need major renovations.

After location, good light is the one thing that most buyers want. Clean the windows, open your curtains, increase the wattage of your light bulbs and cut the outside bushes to let in the sunshine. Whatever you can do to make your property seem brighter and cheerier will make it more sellable. Lighting a sweet smelling candle will also only have a positive impact.

Choose the right agent

There are a number of agents to use to search around and find the right one for you. These are the people who are ultimately going to sell your home and answer those tricky questions so make sure you have faith in them and trust them.

Be flexible

Finally, the more flexible you are about visits, the more people will be able to see your home. Be ready for visitors early in the morning, at night and on weekends, with little notice.