You only get one chance to make a good impression and you should take full advantage of it, especially when you are selling your home.

The tales about the smell of baking bread and percolating coffee to make your home more attractive to potential buyers is no longer enough, as most now see through this ploy.

So what can you do, to make your home more attractive?

Everyone is looking for a well cared for home that feels clean and comfortable, so make the most of your opportunity by following these few basic tips to help sell your home.

Ensure the view when someone arrives is as pleasant as possible.

Smile when you open the door! This is the perfect way to start the viewing.

• Front of house
• Remove any unsightly objects like dustbins, refuse sacks, garden waste etc
• Ensure the front door is clean or freshly painted
• Keep a clean and tidy doorstep
• Add some flowerpots for extra colour
• Inside
• Tidy all coats and shoes in hallway
• Vacuum the carpets and dust any obvious areas
• Use a pleasant air fresher an hour before any viewers arrive
• Make sure all curtains are open, so the house looks bright
• Check all the interior lights work and turn them on before viewers arrive where necessary
• Make sure you take care of all those minor repair jobs
• Bedrooms
• Make sure all the beds in the house are made
• Remove any dirty laundry from sight
• Tidy any toys or games from children's rooms but not all of them
• Bathroom
• Clean all surfaces and shower
• Repair the dripping tap
• Add scented disinfectant to toilet and put the lid down
• Lay out fresh clean towels
• Tidy toothpaste and brushes
• Kitchen
• Avoid cooking 'smelly' or fried foods the night before
• Keep the work surfaces clean and tidy
• Remove any washing-up from the sink
• Check that at least one drawer and cupboard door opens with ease
• Garden
• Cut the grass, preferably with stripes in the lawn
• Remove from sight any garden refuse
• Add colourful flowers to look more attractive
• Jet wash patio area to look like new

A clean and well-maintained home that smells nice will always attract more interest from buyers, as most people feel comfortable with somewhere that has been carefully looked after.

The shrewd and picky buyers will notice and magnify the smallest problems that you might have taken for granted, so ignoring even the slightest thing could magnify their concerns about making an offer for your home.

We hope these few pointers will help you make the best impression and attract the right buyer for your home.

You have a buyer so what now?

Here are some useful tips to help you have a smooth as possible removal day.

If you intend to use a removal company, we suggest you have two or three quotes to compare the price and service.

Make sure you are aware of any penalty charges should there be any late change of arrangements.

Check that all your belongings are insured during the removal, you would not want to lose anything precious.

Make sure you book your removal company in advance and consider moving mid-week, as it may be better value and don't book before you have exchanged contracts..

Pack all the boxes as much in advance as possible, don't leave it to the day.

Plan where each box of possessions should go in advance in the new house and label all the boxes accordingly with contents and destination room.

Ensure the foreman of the removal company knows exactly where they are going!

Don't pack the kettle or teapot; it's thirsty work moving a house, so keep your workers happy with lots of refreshments.

Please feel free to contact us if you require any further information or would like us to make a full appraisal of your home.