If you've ever watched the programmes Changing Rooms or House Doctor you will know that a little furniture manipulation, a few used toilet rolls and some double sided sticky tape can go a long way. If you're planning to sell your home, it would be advisable to tidy and reorganise your life before you start showing people around. You could seriously enhance your chances of a quick sale by investing some time and effort in order to impress. The gay community tend not to be shy when it comes to enhancing their best assets, so applying these skills to your home should be no problem.

A good starting point when marketing your property is to use 'the driving test scenario'. Every new driver about to take their test should practice the route in and out of the test centre. After all it's the only part of the hour long trial that they can actually predict. Selling your house is similar, as you know buyers are going to walk through the door into the hallway

First Impressions

Make sure the entrance to your home is welcoming, fix that broken door bell now!. If you use the phone stand as a collection point for unwanted junk mail then move it now! Put a mat down so your visitors can wipe their feet before entering, this is a message in itself. If you take a walk around your home, you should be able to predict where people are going to go. They are bound to look out of the windows so make sure they're clean. Spend some time tidying the outside patio and borders. If you're not managing to keep the garden, how are your prospective purchasers going to?

Hot Property

It's very important to pay consideration to the elements. If the temperature of your home is not right, your chances could be reduced (nobody is going to buy a cold house) so turn the heating up. If it's a hot day then make sure there is plenty of ventilation.

Consideration

You should remember that your buyer may not be a raving homosexual. You should put your latest copies of Advocate or Freshmen away in a drawer. If your collection of erotic drawings takes pride of place on the lounge wall you should replace them short-term. If this goes against the grain, remember that you are dealing with a business transaction.

Lighting

The vast majority of people will find a light room attractive and you should let in as much natural light as possible. Draw the curtains back as far as possible. If people are viewing at times of the day that the light is failing you can alter the mood within a room by controlling the lighting level.

Furniture

Strategically placed furniture can help control the angles that someone looks at a room. Make sure there is a clear pathway between the entrance and the centre. If a wardrobe is blocking the natural light into the bedroom then you're not giving the room any chance of impressing your punter.

Extra Touches

Remember you're trying to convince someone that they should spend five years of their life here. You don't have to do the complete show home routine, but placing fresh linen on the bed and some pot-pouri in the bathroom will help create that homely feeling. If the sofa is looking worn, then buy a throw to cover any old marks and stains. This can be a good way to enhance the colour scheme of a room.

Painting and Decorating

Don't waste too much time painting through the house, as this could give the impression that you're hiding something. Redecoration is not likely to enhance the value of your property and any new vendor is likely to change the colours as soon as they move in. However, if there are any apparent chips and marks to paint work, then make certain that they are tidied and covered. Remember, light neutral wall colourings are better than dark ones.

Special Features

If your house has particularly nice features then don't be afraid to show them off. i.e. cupboards or walk in wardrobes offering extra storage space are always attractive. If these are full of clutter then either get rid of it, or place it into temporary storage until you move. You do not want to be sending out a message that you're moving because this house is too small!

Some of these ideas may seem basic, but a little effort may make the difference between a potential buyer making an offer for yours or the next house that they view. With a little luck you'll be on the move before you know it.

Ten Little Extras

1. If you live in an apartment, plant some window boxes
2. Paint the front door – first thing people see
3. Get some colourful cushions for the sofa
4. Buy some scented candles to place in the lounge
5. Brush up the grouting between the bathroom tiles - Paint with a small brush and
   then polish
6. Buy a trendy loo seat
7. Create a new centre piece for a room – Buy a new rug
8. Change the bin in the kitchen – Get rid of that lingering smell
9. Buy an original work of art – it doesn't have to be expensive, but will certainly be a talking point
10. Buy a frame for that print that you've been meaning to do. It's no good leaving
    them sitting in a cupboard 

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