1.  Make the Most of that First Impression

A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch welcomes prospects. So does a freshly painted - or at least freshly scrubbed - front door. If it's autumn, rake the leaves. If it's winter, shovel the pavements. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home, the better.

2.  Invest a Few Hours for Future Dividends

Here's your chance to clean up in estate agency. Clean up in the living room, the bathroom, the kitchen. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor redecoration. Fresh wallpaper adds charm and value to your property. Prospects would rather see how great your home really looks than hear how great it could look, with a littel work.

3.  Check Taps and Bulbs

Dripping water rattles the nerves, discoloured sinks and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned out bulbs leaves prospects in the dark. Don't let little problems detract from what's right with your home.

4.  Don't Shut Out a Sale

If cupboards or wardrobe stick in your home, you can be sure they will also stick in a prospect's mind. Don't try to explain away sticky situations when you can easily plane them away. A little effort on your part can smooth the way toward a sale.

5.  Open up in the Daytime

Let the sun shine in! Pull back your curtains and drapes so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is.

6.  Make Room for Space

Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. They're looking for a storage space too. Make sure your attic and cellar are clean and free of unnececessary items.

7.  Consider Your Wardrobes and Cupboards

The Better organised a wardrobe or cupboard, the larger it appears. Now's time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.

8.  Make Your Bathrooms Sparkle

Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the baths and showers. For added allure, display your best towels, mats and shower curtains.

9.  Create Dream Bedrooms

Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms. For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colourful bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must.

10.  Think Safety

Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of self-set booby traps: rollerskates on the stairs, festooned extension cords, slippery throw rugs and lowhanging lights. Make your residence as non-perilous as possible for uninitiated visitors.

11.  Relax

Be friendly, but don't try to force conversation. Prospects want to view your home with a minimum of distraction.