The first think you need to do when you decide to sell your house is find the right agent. We will explain the benefits of different sales methods, the best way to advertise your house, and perhaps some small changes or improvements to maxamise your selling price. A well presented home says "welcome". It does not have to be a "showhouse" but it should appear a comfortable home in which to live. Your home will be one of many on the market at any time. You need to present your home in such a way to get the best price within a set time. Presentation counts. Experience shows that vendors who make this extra effort usually achieve a quicker sale and, in many cases, a higher price. First impressions count…….. Look at the home as a buyer would. First impressions count. Stand on the footpath and check the overall view of the yard, fences, driveway, windows, doors, roof and walls. Pick up papers and rubbish at the entrance to show that it is a tidy neighbourhood. Have all minor repairs done. Sticking doors and windows, loose doorknobs, faulty plumbing, peeling paint etc. may affect your sale. Make sure gates open easily. Arrange outdoor furniture attractively to give a look of leisure. Closed garage doors look tidier. Tidy the flower pots and have the plants healthy and watered. Trim shrubs and mow lawns, including the footpath, clean out sheds. Toys and garden tools should be stored. Clear the gutters, clean windows and glass in doors. Remove clothes from the line. If you own a dog take it for a walk during viewings. THE INSIDE Healthy plants in the kitchen, bathroom and hallway look attractive. Oil all squeaking doors. Make sure the doorbell works and the door mat is clean and in position. Repair dripping taps and remove stains from bath and basins. Fix loose or broken tiles. Clean kitchen and bathroom tiles. Raise blinds and open curtains to let light in. Clean light fittings, clean marks off the walls. Arrange the furniture to make the rooms look big and easy to walk in, but don’t do this at the last moment. Avoid repainting unless the entire house is to be painted. Remove cat litter trays and dog food bowls. Don’t leave dishes in the sink or on the draining board. Use your best bed covers and put cushions and soft toys on the childrens’ beds. Put valuables and personal items away. In the bathroom have attractive healthy plants on show. If the mirror needs replacing, do so. If not give it a good clean. Tidy drawers and vanity units, putting cosmetics, razors and toiletries away. Some attractive bottles of perfume look elegant. Put fresh flowers around the house like it is a special occasion. Brew a pot of fresh coffee so the pleasant aroma permeates through the house. And have some soothing music softly playing in the background - but turn off t.v.’s and radios. REMEMBER If a prospective buyer asks questions about the home or neighbour, answer directly and honestly. Questions about the transaction should be referred to your agent. It is best to leave your house during viewings. Be prepared at all reasonable times to allow your agent to show people through your home.