6 tips for home presentation

1. Tidying up: less is more

A tidy home appears larger, more tidy and radiates calm. Therefore, get thorough with:

• Tidy up loose items: Store personal and unnecessary items temporarily in boxes or moving crates. The less 'clutter', the more spacious the impression.

• Closet space: Storage space is important to buyers. Make sure cupboards don't bulge, giving the impression that there is plenty of storage space.

2. Cleaning and minor repairs

A fresh, clean home is immediately appealing. So pay extra attention to:

• Deep cleaning: Think about cleaning windows, mopping floors, polishing bathroom and kitchen tiles and cleaning toilets thoroughly.

• Ventilate: Fresh air makes a world of difference. Open the windows 15 minutes before the viewing.

• Small jobs: Replace broken lights, fix leaky taps and stick up any loose wallpaper. They seem like small details, but they have a big impact on the overall impression.

3. Neutral furnishing & styling

Although you may have decorated your house with your personal style, when selling it, it is smart to opt for a neutral presentation.

• Use colours: Bright colours on walls can be distracting. Consider a neutral shade (white, beige or grey) that creates calm.

• Personal items: Photos and outspoken decorations can sometimes be distracting to visitors. Put these away (for the most part) so the buyer can see themselves living in the home sooner.

• Accessories: You can still add atmosphere with a few simple, neutral accessories (think cushions, plaids and a vase of flowers).

4. Focus on the most important rooms

When selling a house, certain rooms often take centre stage:

• Kitchen: This is one of the most important places for many buyers. Make sure the sink is free of food waste and appliances. Leave a few nice items (e.g. a fruit bowl or spice rack).

• Bathroom and toilet: Get personal care products out of sight and keep the areas spotless. Clean mirrors and taps streak-free.

• Living room: Create an open and inviting atmosphere. Pay attention to the arrangement of furniture: don't put them too close together so that the room looks uncluttered.

5. Light, light and more light

Light not only makes a house bigger, it also makes it cosier. Therefore make sure you:

• Window coverings: Open curtains and blinds to allow daylight to flow in.

• Lighting: Check all lamps and replace broken bulbs. If necessary, use extra (floor lamps) to illuminate dark corners.

• Clean windows: Dirty windows block sunlight. A quick polish does wonders for light.

6. Pay attention to the outdoor area

The first impression of your house starts with the outside. Whether you have a large garden or just a balcony:

• Front garden or entrance: Clear away loose leaves or weeds. If necessary, put a green plant or flower pot by the front door for a welcoming look.

• Backyard or balcony: Mow the grass, trim overgrown plants and tidy up garden furniture. A cosy seating area can show buyers that there is a nice outdoor space.