Still Moving? Get Your Home Market-Ready

channel4.com
 By Sarah Jagger

First impressions are important, so check your kerb appeal: tidy the garden front and back, paint window sills and the front door, make sure the house number or name is visible.

Ensure the view through the front windows is appealing too. Rooms inside should be kept tidy (even when you're not expecting a viewing - don't be surprised if people stop and have a good peer into your home to see if it might suit them).

Declutter - consider putting some of your stuff in storage, tidy and clean, neutralise animal smells, get someone to take the kids and pets out during viewings.

Finish Any DIY Projects

Update - consider replacing kitchen cupboard doors and drawer fronts. Out-of-date bathroom suites can also let a property down, but you don't have to spend a fortune: simply installing new taps or new shower screen, and putting out nice fluffy towels can make a difference.

Paint - a lick of paint can transform a room and bring it up to date.

Use the space - a double bedroom has more value than a single, and a single bedroom has more value than a study, so show the rooms off to their best advantage to maximise their appeal.

House full of family photos? Tone it down - the viewers need to imagine themselves living there, not you.
Clean, dust and tidy everywhere, open windows and, yes, put that pot of coffee on.