With plenty of houses on the market right now, yours needs to stand out if you want to get the best price.

Here’s how to groom your home to entice prospective buyers:

First impressions
Don’t call in an estate agent or valuer until you’ve got your house shipshape. Some agents will offer helpful tips for home presentation, while others may hint they have already have a buyer in mind and encourage you to list immediately – don’t be tempted.

Role play
Step into a prospective buyer’s shoes by staging a walk-through of your property. Note what you see, hear and smell as if you were experiencing it for the first time, and jot down what stands out. If you can’t be objective, get a friend or neighbour to give their opinion.

Pick your tasks
Be prepared to invest some time and money in pre-sale preparation. If it’s not possible to complete the work yourself, pay to have it done. A professional gardener or cleaner will work wonders in a day and it’s money well spent. Obvious jobs such as washing down the house and cleaning paths and windows will make a huge difference.

Do your homework
Check the council records to make sure your property is in order. If you don’t, a purchaser might and any unpermitted work could jeopardise a sale. If you’ve already got a full LIM (Land Information Memorandum) report for your property, you’ll win favours with buyers – and in this competitive market that’s a big plus.

Home stage
Set the scene by staging your home to woo buyers. A few inexpensive accessories will transform your home from ordinary to special. Having fresh flowers for open home viewing week in and week out can be costly, so buy potted colour from your local garden centre instead, or fill a bowl with seasonal fruit.

Clean up your act
Keep kitchens and bathrooms clean and smelling sweet. Wipe surfaces, put away excess clutter and put out fresh, neatly folded towels and tea towels. If the weather’s nice, open windows and air out the house.

Lighten up
Light will create mood, so if you want a room to look cosy and comforting, turn on side lights and light candles when your home’s on show. If you want a light, airy look, make sure you position window coverings for maximum natural light. Well positioned mirrors are also useful to help reflect light into dark corners and rooms.

Seasonal sense
Present your home so it is warm in the winter and cool in summer – unobtrusive room conditioning will go unnoticed. A dehumidifier or fan heater may signify a problem, so run them before an open home and then put them away.

TIP: De-clutter. Clean, orderly homes sell faster than grubby, messy ones. Minimal photos, furniture and knick-knacks will enhance a room’s size and characteristics.