On average, it takes about eight seconds for a buyer to decide whether or not they want to purchase your home, so there isn’t second to waste.

Here are tips to show your home in its best possible light:

• Preparing your home for sale by neutralising and decluttering should have happened long before your first viewing. Take the time to make your home clean and tidy. Washing up piled in the sink will divert a buyer's attention away from the space and focusing them on the negative.
• It is commonly quoted that the best viewings are conducted by an estate agent alone, without the seller being present. They can be objective and are available to answer any questions that may arise.
• If you do want to be present, give people the space to view your home freely. House-hunters may be put-off by your presence.
• If you are conducting the viewing, lead them to the best room in the house to start with, to make the best possible impression.
• Do let them know that you are available for any questions they may have at the end, and don’t rush them.
• Take some time to think about the questions you might need to answer. People viewing your home are likely to be interested in what it’s like to live there, as well as the facts. Questions about the local area, the neighbours what it’s like as a family home and when you last replaced the boiler.
• Smells can play an integral part. The clichés are baking bread and the smell of coffee, but they are homely smells which often evoke strong emotional reactions. The main thing when it comes to smells is to neutralise any bad odours. If you know there is a viewing booked, save your fish-and-chip dinner for another night.
• Fresh flowers can add both scent and a freshness to your property.
• Lighting has a big impact on your property. Rooms which are dark often feel smaller and more closed, so where possible you should let the light in.

Find your nearest Guild agent today.