They say that for most people your house is your biggest asset. Therefore it follows that selling your house is one of the biggest things you will ever have to do.

So, how do you prepare that most precious asset to maximize its monetary value?

The main thing is to present you house as a well-cared-for place with no glaring problems. Remember the first impression is the one that sells!

Did you know that the decision to buy is usually made within 42 seconds of seeing the property? First impressions are most lasting. If you want to make sure your house gives a great first impression, follow the steps below

1. If your garden is neat, flowers and shrubs are trimmed, lawns are cut and edged and all exterior rubbish is removed, people will be more likely to want to see inside the house.
   
2. Consider painting the outside. Remove any peeling paint. Fresh paint on your fences and outside will not cost you much but could add thousands of dollars to the value of the house.
   
3. If your garden looks untidy, consider using a landscaper, especially if the rest of the property looks attractive. If money is short, you can even do a deal. Get a few quotes to dress up your garden. Then offer the landscaper a minimum fee of say $500 on a $2,000 job to cover his materials against $2,500 after the house is sold. If you approach a few people someone may say yes. This works because the landscaper will actually get more than his original quote. He shares the risk with you! You can use this method with painters as well.
   
4. Give your home a good cleaning, including windows, carpets, blinds, etc. It will make it far more appealing. A clean house shows you looked after and cared for it.
   
5. Repair leaking taps and showers. Clean any discolouration off sinks. It is a sign of faulty plumbing. Repair sticking windows and doors. Fix warped drawers, loose doorknobs and other minor flaws, and repair your insect screens and broken window panes.
   
6. Display the storage capabilities of your house. Remove all unnecessary things from cupboards, spare rooms and garage. In fact, have a garage sale before you sell. You will have some cash for the repairs and advertising!
   
7. Make your rooms appear bigger by removing and storing excess furniture. Do it, especially if the rooms are small. A mini storage only costs a small amount.
   
8. Keep stairways and all walkways clear. It's dangerous for prospective purchasers and makes the house look cluttered.
   
9. Impress the purchaser with well decorated, bright, clean bathrooms and kitchens. Often the decision to buy is based on an attractive kitchen and bathroom. Hang new bright towels in the bathroom. Maybe use the old vanilla trick, with a few drops baked in the oven. It will fill the kitchen with a sweet, pleasant smell that will bring images of warmth and good home cooking.
   
10. Brightness and light shows off your house to its best advantage. Turn on the lights. Open the blinds. Let the light in. Your house will feel more alive. Light sells, darkness doesn't.
    
11. Prepare a written description of your house, and the area. Tell people why it's a good place to live in and buy. Always tell the truth. Truth sells, exaggeration doesn't! Imagine you are writing to your best friend, telling them everything about your house and where you live. This will make your description more human, warm and appealing. Have copies made to give to people who inspect your house to help them remember your house. They may be looking at 5 other houses the same day.