INTRODUCTION
The key to selling a property for the best possible price as quickly as possible is to make sure your property attracts the maximum number of potential buyers in the shortest period of time. You need to work out what type of buyer your property will attract and then you must get into the mind of that buyer thinking about special features of your house that they may appreciate and most importantly what will attract them to your house in the first place.

For example, a four-bedroom house in a safe neighbourhood, close to good schools, is likely to appeal to families with children. Your children may have left home long ago, and the spare bedrooms may look faded and neglected. Giving your property family appeal will be the key to getting a quick sale.
A small, one-bedroom flat in a city neighbourhood with lively bars and restaurants and good transport links appeals to young professionals, who yearn for a clean, uncluttered and contemporary look. Clearing out the clutter, and giving the rooms a coat of crisp white paint, may be all that is required to give your flat that touch of urban chic.

Preparing your property so that it appeals to your target market does require a certain amount of objectivity. To get that fresh perspective, ask a couple of friends who fall into the category of likely buyers to give you a brutally honest assessment of your property, what would need to be changed for them to move in? You could be in for a surprise but need to take on board any sensible suggestions they raise as it might just be the one thing that makes or breaks a potential sale.

First impressions counts
Usually the first impression potential buyers will have of your new property is the photo and description that the estate agent or yourself advertises. This needs to give the most honest yet flattering summary of your property appealing to your target market. Once your potential buyer arrives at your property they need to have a very positive first impression, including a tidy, well maintained exterior.
Giving your property a top-to-bottom deep clean is not only satisfying it is also the best way of creating the impression of the kind of well-ordered life which buyers aspire to. It will also leave your house smelling sweet and fresh. Get curtains dry cleaned or washed; dirty carpets and rugs cleaned; wash down woodwork; vacuum under and behind furniture. This can be time consuming, so if you are short of time call in professional cleaners; this might appear expensive but it is insignificant when compared to the potential profit you may be able to achieve through a successful sale.

Clear away the clutter
Nearly all homes accumulate clutter, belongings which may have significance to you but often look out of place to others, all this extra clutter only serves to make a house smaller and impractical. It is also worth remembering that a room overloaded with unnecessary furniture looks smaller, it may be worth selling unwanted furniture or at least consider putting it into storage whilst your property sells. An uncluttered home suggests a well cared for, orderly home, which is what people want to buy. What is more, your property is now a blank canvas which makes it easier for potential buyers to imagine living in it.

Keep it tidy
Once you have gone to all the trouble of floor to ceiling cleaning and de-cluttering make sure you maintain this high standard until the house has sold, viewings may be arranged at short notice and may not give you the time to organize an untidy house before another potential buyer arrives so always be prepared and ensure the property looks at its best.

Neutralize
A colorful home can be beautiful but it is also an expression of a personal style, which won't appeal to everyone. When you are selling your property you want to attract as many buyers as possible. Repainting bright or unique color schemes in neutral shades will increase your chances of selling. This is an ideal way for potential buyers to feel that with just a few small touches of their own your home will be perfect for them, a colorful home on the other-hand may appeal to one or two but the vast majority will feel that it just isn't right for them.