Selling a home is something that most of us only do a handful of times in our lives. Particularly when you consider that the average first-time buyer is not getting on to the housing ladder until age 34 (according to Finder.com). The average time that a homeowner will live in the same property is around 10 years, so we will likely only sell a property 6 or 7 times in our lifetime. Between these moves we get comfortable. We live in our homes and make them our own, filling them with cherished photographs and decorating them to our tastes. Clutter builds up, and we keep hold of that piece of broken furniture longer than we should because it becomes familiar, and inevitably, stuff will be piled on top of it.

But when you come to sell your property, the 'home' element needs to shift. You're not welcoming a friendly guest to share your space for a few minutes; you're inviting a potential buyer to come and look around, and they will be hyper-critical. They will not be interested in your mismatched furniture or the delightful painting that your kids did on the wall. They're looking at your property to see if it would fit them and their family so they can make their own memories.

So, what exactly should you do to ensure your home appeals to buyers?

By following these steps, you will bring your home to the market for sale in its very best condition, without getting overwhelmed by the sheer challenge ahead of you. This, of course, will mean you'll be more likely to receive a good offer from a buyer.

Preparation: As with all major undertakings, preparation is the key. Of course, you could just have the photographs taken as the property is and see if anyone wants to buy it, and of course, they might do. But if you want a top price for your property, you must prepare it for sale. This means decluttering, tidying up junk cupboards and drawers (because buyers will look inside) and getting those annoying little DIY jobs done that you've been putting off for ages. A buyer will notice those scuff marks on the walls or if a door handle is loose. A cluttered house will seem smaller than it really is, and those loose handles or scuffed walls will go as a mark against the property in the mind of a buyer, making it seem like there is loads of work to do to your property when they move in.

Presentation: Presenting your property well for sale is not just about decluttering and removing the kids' artwork from the front of the fridge. It is about staging the home to show off how a buyer could live there if they buy it. If you have a spare bedroom that doesn't have a bed, for example, stage this room as a bedroom or some other use if necessary. An empty room will seem small, and a junk room is just a mess. But a study, playroom, or home gym will add value. If you have a sun-trap garden, place your furniture there so that buyers can envision themselves enjoying a morning coffee on the patio. Consider having a coffee pot and mugs in the photo so that it is also evident on the brochure.

Pricing: The pricing strategy is crucial, and you should seek advice from your estate agent, who can explain the pros and cons of the various options so that you know you've got it right from the get-go. Overpricing is VERY damaging to your sale, so you don't want to go too high. Equally, you don't want to give the house away, right? So, there is a delicate balance and many other factors to consider when selecting a marketing price.

Promotion: The promotion and marketing plan for the property needs to be robust. You need a structured approach, so you know when you've tried everything you possibly can and it's time to change things up. It is much more involved than taking and sticking a few photographs online. You need to think about timing, strategy, levels of promotion, social media, video footage and brochure copy. The list goes on, and your agent should be able to tell you how the marketing will be laid out and when it'll be time for a review so you are always in line with the current market and your property doesn't become stale in the eyes of the potential buyers.

While it is possible to sell a house without considering these elements, this is how to ensure you're getting the most money for your home, which is essential when you think that it is most likely the highest-value possession you have.

To learn more about how to maximise your home's sale price, contact our expert team.