1. First impressions

First impressions count for everything. Get the windows professionally cleaned and replace the worn-out door mat so prospective buyers aren’t put off before they’ve even walked through the front door. Kerb appeal is crucial.

2. Attention to detail

Have a thorough spring clean and get to the corners you’d normally ignore. Buyers come with a critical eye and will inspect a room from wall to wall – you don’t want them looking up at the ceiling and seeing a collection of cobwebs.

3. Maintenance

Some buyers will be put off at the idea of any DIY. Run a quick maintenance check throughout your home and get the tool box out. Do any bulbs needs replacing, or is there a loose door handle that needs to be tightened, for example?

4. Pets

If you have a dog, send him or her to the dog groomer's for a professional clean. A house that smells of pets can be a real turn-off for some viewers. Washing the dog's bed is a good idea, too.

5. Declutter

You need to help prospective buyers imagine where their furniture and family pictures will go. Rooms that look too busy, full of mismatching furniture or an oversupply of personal details, can also make a room look smaller. Prospective buyers always want to check inside cupboards: if they’re packed full, empty them out and throw away everything you don’t need, or put things in a suitcase for a few weeks. Hide all those plastic toys which can take up so much space. Demonstrating your home has adequate storage is crucial.

6. Character preservation

If you are de-cluttering, remember not to remove traces of character altogether – thoughtful splashes of colour and a few well-chosen soft furnishings can make a property feel more stylish and individual. It's useful to remember what it was that made you fall in love with your home when you bought it.

7. A lifestyle setting

Some buyers are looking for a lifestyle as much as a home. Setting the table with a simple white dinner set and some pretty napkins, for example, can help people imagine living in your home. Book a weekly flower delivery and, weather permitting, open the windows ahead of a viewing – it’ll help create a ‘fresh’ feeling during a viewing.

8. Bathroom details

Another quick win can be in the bathroom. Buyers often want to check the water pressure of the shower so remove any lime scale that might have built up, it’s an easy job but can make a big difference.

9. Additional space

Showing buyers how they can create additional space can be an effective way to demonstrate how your property might work for them, without the expense of carrying out any structural work. Investigate what could be done and highlight the possible options.

10. Garden upkeep