The preparation you put into getting your property ready for sale can be the difference between getting a standard price and getting a great price. The best part is, it's not hard, time consuming or expensive.

Whatever your motive for selling, the process can either be stress free or tense and disappointing. The good news is that if you sell with bellcourt, a key point of difference for us is that we understand our job starts before the property goes on the market and doesn't end when we have sold your property.  We have systems in place to ensure the whole process is stress free.

Buyers for a property can be found all year round however it's not often that a purchaser for your home is out there, just waiting for you to put your home on the market.

Timing, presentation and advertising are all required to bring buyers and sellers together for the best result.

Spring is often considered to be the best time to sell. It's a time of optimism and with the weather clearing, more potential buyers will be out and about. It is also a time when more sellers will put their homes on the market so there will be more competition.

Winter usually presents fewer buyers, but the buyers are usually more focused on purchasing and traditionally there will be fewer homes on the market to choose from so this can work in your favour.

What ever you do, don't ever rush into putting your home on the market.  You have one chance to get it right so it's paramount that you work with your agent to ensure that no stone is left unturned.

A tidy home says "Welcome". Your home should be kept neat and tidy during the period of inspections. It should not necessarily be a "show place" but appear a comfortable home in which to live. Fresh flowers always brighten up a home. Regardless of what market you are in, the first 30 seconds will always count so make it memorable for the buyer.

While you're cleaning, think about each room and what furniture really needs to be in it. Rooms look smaller when they are crowded. Clear out anything that's not needed to create a feeling of spaciousness.

Make sure that all minor repairs are completed. Sticking doors and windows, loose door knobs, faulty plumbing, or peeling paint may affect your sale.

Let plenty of light into your home. Nothing improves atmosphere more than brightness. And on a dull day switch on some lights prior to arrival of prospective purchasers.

A warm comfortable heated home on cold days adds a feeling of cosiness; on a hot day don't forget to turn on any air conditioning or fans (or simply let the breeze flow through).

bellcourt property group work with several home stylists in preparing homes for market and it would be worth talking to your sales representative to see if one can help you.

bellcourt property group also has several tradespeople and gardeners that can help you get those little repair jobs done in time.

There are many different methods of sale and each has a time and place depending on the property and your situation.

• Private Treaty (generally three types)
• Expressions of Interest
• Auction
• Tender

What ever you do, make sure your agent understands each method and explains which method suits you.  Don't forget, the decision is always yours and you have to be just as convicted and comfortable with the approach.