If you are thinking about selling your home, you may also be thinking about the best way to present your property for that all-important valuation, the photography and the viewings the agent will generate for you.

Karen Lyons, Sales Manager at Mayfair Town & Country Weston-super-Mare, advises on what you should be considering when preparing your property for sale:

“It is so important that your buyer is left with a positive impression of the condition of your home, and this begins from the moment your property is presented for sale, both online and in the window. First impressions really do count, and attractive photos of a well-presented property can be the difference between a potential buyer picking up the phone to arrange a viewing or not.

After the viewing you want it to be the topic of conversation on your potential buyers’ lips - for all the right reasons and not the wrong ones! Here are just a few points to consider:

1. Ensure that the front and rear of the property is well presented. Spend time tending to the garden, cleaning the windows, guttering, etc. It would also be advisable to carry out any remedial works that might be necessary.
2. Ensure the property is clean inside. If you smoke, do your best to limit this to the garden! Dogs and other pets can also bring an unpleasant smell to the property. We appreciate it can be difficult, but we would advise a deep clean and limiting the dog to certain areas of the property whilst you are trying to sell.
3. De-clutter! Assess every room and look for items that can be boxed and put away to allow a more positive feeling of space in the home. Only have on display things that are being used as decorative pieces that enhance a room - if you need any advice on this we are always on hand to give our opinion if required!
4. As the nights draw in, it’s important that the house feels warm and friendly. Ensure lights are on for the arrival of your potential purchaser and the heating is on if appropriate. Cold, dark houses always evoke a negative initial response.
5. Don’t spend too much money – ask our advice! There is often no need to replace bathrooms, kitchens, etc. If we think it will benefit the sale and make you more money we will tell you. Often though it is not the case, and you waste time doing it when the buyer only ends up changing it all anyway!

Of course there are many elements to think about when preparing your property for marketing. Your agent will be able to advice on those that are most relevant for you and your property, to maximise interest and ultimately lead to a successful sale.”