If you were selling your car, you'd probably make sure that before doing so you'd present it in the best possible way to help you get the best price, wouldn't you? For a short time your normal living pattern may be disrupted slightly -- expect this -- because your house has to become a showpiece.

With a little effort on your part, your home can be sold more quickly and at a better price. The following 10 tips have proved invaluable to owners and are worth your special attention.

1. First Impressions Are Lasting
   The front door area greets the prospect and therefore it helps if the front door area is neat, clean and welcoming. Make sure the prospect wants to come inside.



2. Cleanliness
   This applies to doors, windows/sills, woodwork as well as the normal areas of cleanliness. If needed have carpets and curtains cleaned. It's money well spent.



3. Tidiness
   Prospects will look in closets and cupboards. Neat well ordered shelves etc. show that space in your home is ample. Avoid cluttered appearances especially in kitchens and bathrooms, as these rooms can clinch a sale. Clean out cluttered garage and bedroom closets-- perhaps this is a good time to throw out that unwanted junk!



4. Minor Flaws
   Fix dripping taps, loose door knobs, sticking doors and windows etc.--they detract from the value.



5. Let Your Home Smile A Welcome
   Open curtains (dark rooms do not appeal and look small). Have at least one vase of fresh flowers to emphasise that yours is a well cared for, well loved home.



6. Smells
   Buyers have sensitive noses and will smell those lingering smells that you don't notice any more, namely pets, tobacco, etc. So avoid leaving used ashtrays around and keep your pet's food, bedding and toilet areas clean.



7. Neat Yard Areas
   Even if you are not the green thumb type, your home will present better if the grounds are neat and clean, the shrubs trimmed and the lawn edges cut. This also applies to the nature strip.



8. Decorate For A Quick Sale
   Shabby walls, doorframes, gutters etc., reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospect how your home could look when you can show him/her by touching up these areas as quickly as possible. No doubt the teenager of the house loves his posters but unfortunately chances are the buyers don't. Pack them away early and remove their traces from the walls.



9. Avoid Being Home During Inspections
   People are uncomfortable about having a good look around if the owner is hovering in the background. If you are home turn off or tune down the radio or television. They are a distraction.



10. Be Prepared to show the Property At All Times
    The prospect you turn away may be the buyer.