Try to remember that your home needs to make a good first impression, so presentation is the key to attract and eventually secure buyers.

Street Appeal

Look at your property from the street and enter your premises as a prospective purchaser. What features stick out in your mind? Eg. Is the hedge overgrown? Does the gate squeak, when you open it? Are there branches overhanging the pathway? Is the Verandah dusty? Are there any cobwebs on the windows? Tidying up little things like those previously mentioned may improve the welcoming feel your home could offer to prospective purchasers.

Impressions of the Inside

Again walk into your home as though you are looking to buy it, study the walls, the floor, the ceiling. What features stick out in your mind? Do the carpets need to be shampooed in order to freshen them up? Are there any cobwebs? Is there too much clutter, which could be stored elsewhere? Is the furniture set up to showcase the best potential of the room? Are there any offensive pictures? Remember your taste may not necessarily suit the tastes of everyone.

Aesthetics & Ambience

Little touches can improve the comfort of your prospective purchaser. During summer, leave the air cooler on prior to your appointment arriving. In the cooler months, make sure the house is warmed or if you have a log fire, light it to set the mood. Lighting can also make a difference, take advantage of natural light, a gentle glow of a strategically placed candle or the light of a lamp can add a soothing ambience to most rooms. Make your guests feel welcome by ensuring that the home is left clean and tidy, remember that they are inspecting your home and are possibly contemplating the idea of purchasing. Clutter and dishes left on the sink are an uninviting attraction to any prospective purchaser.

Impressions of the back yard

Again, look at your backyard as though you were a prospective purchaser, what features jump out at you? Does the garden & yard look tidy? Is the yard free from debris? Are there any loose pavers? Overhanging branches? Are all the features of the yard accessible?

Improvements

Ask your agent if they feel any minor improvements carried out at the property would lift the overall appeal Eg. Repairs to fencing, painting, maintenance etc