Light, bright and clutter free

Once you’ve succeeded in attracting your first viewers, now is your chance to really impress. And it’s a chance you have to grab with both hands, because in today’s marketplace you’ve really got to wow people if you want to make it onto their short-list. This doesn’t mean you have to gut and redecorate every room, but it might mean you need to do a little work to make sure your home looks its absolute best.

First, take a look at the obvious areas for improvement. Any paisley wallpaper or shabby paintwork? If so, it’s time to get the brushes out - just a few cans of emulsion can transform a dull and outdated interior into a bright, attractive living space that will appeal to any would-be buyer. Your goal is to create a blank canvas that allows people to easily imagine your property filled with their things. They should be able to picture themselves relaxing on their favourite sofa in your lounge. So light, neutral colours are best, plus they make rooms appear more spacious.

Touch up scuffed paintwork and mend any damaged fixtures and fittings. If you’ve any prominent defects, like water stains or a few hairline cracks, have them fixed properly, even if it means getting someone in to do the job for you. It could be the best investment you ever make.

Finally, when it comes to interior furnishings, less is more. So whilst a minimalist approach might not be practical, it’s worth living with for a while if it shows off your home at its best. So pick out the two or three pieces that get used the least and pop them into temporary storage. Then cast an eye over your ornaments too. You may have a passion for porcelain or a compulsion for candles, but if your viewers don’t share your tastes, it’s just clutter.

Dress to impress

Always try to maximise the appeal of every room in your home. Treat every living space as a chance to score extra points - more points equal more offers. So make the function of each room very clear. If a bedroom is a double, make sure it has a double bed. If a bedroom is a single, make sure it has a single bed and not two years’ worth of cardboard boxes.

If you’ve converted a bedroom into a study, consider converting it back again unless you want to lose a bedroom from the property description. If you’re not sure what’s best, check with your estate agent to see what they think will add most value. Check out the carpets too, and consider replacing any that are worn or stained. If just a small area is affected then you don’t need to have the entire room re-carpeted - patching can be very effective.

If you live in an older property, it may be worth restoring some of the original features, such as fireplaces, cornices and ceiling roses. Reclamation yards and antiques centres can be a great source of period features, enabling you to add extra charm and character without breaking the bank. Lighting is important too - keep it subtle, keep it tasteful. And flowers always add a nice touch, but don’t overdo it.

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