Sell your home yourself

In addition, you can find out about the cost of houses in your surrounding area by checking out the local papers and estate agents’ windows.

Work out how much you want to spend on advertising your house. Find out how much your local paper and shops in the area charge for this, and use existing adverts to word your own. It is better to provide just a contact telephone number for this instead of the address, that way you won’t get viewers turning up unexpectedly.

You should consider drawing up details of the house in a similar way to that of an estate agent, giving room sizes, community charge/council tax, facilities in the local area and fixtures and fittings.

Showing your home to viewers

According to a recent survey, most buyers view between five to ten properties before buying so it is important that you create the right impression and draw their attention to the right places.

Use our top tips to help you show off your home to prospective buyers.

• If possible always try to show your best room first, as this creates a good first impression.

• Always let the potential buyer be first into the room you are showing.

• Emphasise the positive features of the room, never the negatives. For example, never say ‘this is the single bedroom’, instead say ‘this is the second bedroom’.

• Don’t just sell your house – point out the area’s good features such as the schools, transport links, shops and other local amenities, such as parks, pubs and restaurants.

• Never lie. The term ‘honesty is the best policy’ has never been more appropriate than when you are selling your house, so always answer potential buyers’ questions as honestly as possible.

• Point out the opportunities to extend the house, such as building a conservatory or loft extension and draw their attention to close neighbours that may have done the same.

• Don’t rush the viewing and don’t try too hard. Give them a chance to walk around, take in all the rooms and ask you any questions.

• Keep pets and children out of the way when you are showing people round.

• Turn off the TV to ensure that you have their full attention throughout the viewing.

• Make sure you appear professional, so always dress smartly. Never show someone round if you are unprepared because they won’t get the right impression and you won’t get a sale.

Next: Make your home appealing