First impressions count, buyers will have already formed an impression before they step into your property. A well-kept garden, pathway and fence, plus a freshly painted front door are immediately appealing, whereas a scruffy outdoor space with a litter bin outside the front door may turn many prospective buyers away.

De-clutter - don't underestimate the appeal of a tidy property. Throw out the junk - use moving as a good excuse to get rid of old, unwanted and unused items.

Clean - dust and clean the whole house thoroughly, from cobwebs on the ceiling to crumbs and stains on carpets and rugs. Remember to wash down paintwork and clean windows.

Natural Colours - research shows that, most buyers prefer natural, earthy colours to bright, bold shades. Although there is a wide range of paint colours available, magnolia is still the top-selling colour.

Add a bit of colour - to prevent rooms looking too bland, use strong colours for accent walls or cushions and accessories.

De-personalise - remove personal items, such as family photographs and children's drawings, which may distract potential buyers.It may sound harsh but it really helps sell property

Maintenance Complete all minor repairs.

Major Jobs- If you dont spend out on home improvements to complete major repairs it could have a disproportionate affect on the value of the property.

Lighting - the right lighting can improve the mood of a room. A room looks cosier with a few table lamps rather than bright general lighting.

Create a scent - it may be a bit of a clich to bake bread or grind coffee beans just before the arrival of a potential buyer, but scent does plays an important role in creating the right impression.

Open windows - most buyers like the smell of a freshly cleaned and aired room. Open the windows every day to let fresh air into the house.

Avoid strong food odours - don't cook foods such as fish or curry before a viewing as the smell will linger.

Take pets out - ask friends or family to look after pets during viewings. Fresh flowers and fruit - flowers and a bowl of fruit will brighten up a room and provide a pleasant smell.

Define your rooms - a property will be more appealing if rooms have a specific purpose and this allows buyers to see the full potential of the property.

Seasons - the best time for selling property is spring and autumn; the market slows down during late summer and over Christmas/New Year. If a property is sold while the market is buoyant, it's much more likely to attract the asking price.