DO improve your curb appeal. Tidy the garden, clean windows and give shabby doors and window frames a fresh lick of paint. Move cars from your drive to create a sense of space out front.

DON’T let a backyard jungle let you down. Mow the lawn, cut back shrubs and clear away dead leaves. A gloomy patio can be brightened up with hanging baskets and pots of herbs.

DO clear the clutter. Sell, give away or recycle what you can and put the rest into storage. Clear the house from top to bottom, including stairways and entrance halls. Make sure doors open easily and buyers can walk into a room unobstructed by furniture, bags or boxes.

DON’T leave washing up in the sink. Buyers will be on the look out for grime in the kitchen and bathroom, so make sure appliances are spotless and tiles and grout are gleaming.

DO keep colour schemes light and neutral. Pull back or take down heavy curtains. If the weather is dull outside put the lights on (make sure they are high wattage bulbs) before your buyers arrive.

DON’T strip rooms of all character. Think warm and welcoming neutrals not cold and empty spaces. Make a feature of an empty fireplace with candles and invest in bright colour-coordinated cushions, throws and lampshades.

DO insist your kids tidy their rooms. Let them choose a few colourful accessories and help with the decorating. Posters of pop stars, dirty clothes and garish colours schemes are out.

DON’T keep pets in the house during a viewing. Open windows and doors to clear the house of pet or cooking smells before a viewing.

DO make sure every room has a purpose. Clear the spare room of junk and add a desk and chair or bed and wardrobe so buyers can see the room’s potential.

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