Is it time to put a new 'jacket' on your home?

Selling one's home could be a daunting task as well as an exciting prospect; a decision that demands careful planning and advanced preparation.

Creating a good impression of your home will help attract buyers and therefore fixing a few things before making it available for sale is important. It will reduce the time your house stays on the market and increases the chances of securing a sale at your preferred price.

It essential to consider your budget and identifying what those things are that might turn buyers away before jumping in and repairing items haphazardly. Put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer and view your house as objectively as possible, inside and out.

The outdoor appeal will entice buyers to view your property. Make sure that the pavement and driveway are clean and attractive. Mow the lawn, pull out weeds and prune trees. Unblock gutters and check that the pool is sparkling clean and inviting.

Create a 'cosy corner' in the garden. Without spending a lot of money, one can produce a tranquil seating area by adding a bench, a birdfeeder and planting colourful flowers in a shaded space. Take cognisance of the season you're planning to sell and ask your local nursery for advice which plant species are best to use. Plant yellow and orange flowers in a container near the front door - these are the most welcoming colours to use.

The interior of your home is naturally as important as the exterior. Start to declutter by throwing away unwanted articles and packing away unused items; this will make rooms appear more spacious. Pay attention to loose light fittings, water damage to ceilings, spots on carpets, broken tiles, dripping taps, etc.

A question often posed is whether to repaint or not. This could be a costly exercise and must be considered carefully. Repaint only focal points like the gate, front door, and walls that have been painted in bright colours done to your personal taste. Always use neutral colours - white or cream coloured walls create a spacious image and brightens a room.

Buyers buy by comparison - make sure that your home is well-priced and stands out head and shoulders above the rest. Giving your home a 'new jacket' without spending too much will ensure that your house becomes the home of choice, and before too long you will be able to enjoy a new beginning of your own.