Imagine you are getting yourself ready for a date. You shower, clean your teeth, put on your good clothes, do your hair and you may even splash on a little cologne.

You arrive and your date looks disheveled, teeth need brushing, there are stains on your date's top and they smell like they haven't washed for a month. You would probably take one look and quietly retreat out of the door and back into your car. Why? Because your first impression of that person was not as good and you have suddenly lost all interest.

The irony is that your date in fact (deep down) is a lovely person. Bright, articulate and generous, and on a different day, well presented too, with a lot to offer.

Houses are not much different, They can be dressed up and dressed down, shown in a good light or a dim haze. When we ask someone to part with hundreds of thousands of dollars to purchase your home, it needs to be presented well. I don't mean hiding or disguising anything, but simply making sure that your home is seen at its best. Before you put your home on the market you may want to do the little repair jobs around the house that you have been meaning to do for ages. Some areas may needs repainting, the carpet perhaps could do with a shampoo etc. I advise my clients to set themselves a budget (the amount depends upon the home) and do the little checklist of jobs which all contribute to the overall presentation of your home.

De-clutter - make use of all storage space and put your stuff away. The less clutter you have in your home the more space you are perceived to have (a garage sale may be a good idea). Most buyers want space and light. When a buyer arrives at your home for a first viewing, it is your chance to make a good impression!