There's no better time to hold a spring-cleaning session than when you decide to put your house on the market. Well before you plan to hold your first inspection, take the time to scrub the place and get everything in good working order.

If your floors are scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor redecoration. A well-placed rug can do wonders for worn carpet and a fresh coat of paint on areas like skirting boards may be all you need.

Don't let little problems like dripping taps and burnt-out light bulbs detract from all the things a buyer will love inside your home. Buyers would rather see how great your home really looks than hear how wonderful it could be with just a "a little work". Kitchen and bathrooms are two of the most important rooms that help sell your home so make sure potential buyers go away with a good impression.

In the bathroom, check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. Give everything a good scrub to leave the taps, tiles and floor sparkling. Display your best towels, mats and shower curtains and ensure there are no dirty clothes or towels in sight. It's also a good idea to ensure the bathroom is as uncluttered as possible to make the room seem larger.

The kitchen is another room, which should be kept spotless. Buyers will be keen to know how much storage space is available so give you cupboards a quick once-over if they are too full. It's often a good idea to pack away least-used items now so that you give the impression of more room. Store any packed boxed with a friend or relative.

Colourful bedspreads and clean curtains will make a difference in the bedrooms and a few well-placed cushions on the bed and some fresh prints on the walls will create an inviting atmosphere. Don't forget that buyers often look in the wardrobe - and the more neatly they're organized, the larger they will appear. Now's the time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.

Before spending needless time and money on renovations or repairs, consult your Ray White sales person for their professional opinion on how any plans will improve your chances for a sale.

Think safety. Home owners learn to live with all kinds of self-made hazards like extension leads, low-hanging overhead lights and toys on the staircase. Make sure there are no hazards likely to catch uninitiated visitors.

Remove any items that you don't intend to be a part of the sale - a special light fitting for example - before you allow any inspections.

Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserved, they're likely to hurry through, so try to keep the number of people present to a minimum.

Don't turn your home into a second-hand store. When prospects come to view your property, don't distract them with offers to buy furnishings you no longer need. You may loose the biggest sale of all.

Keep a low profile during inspections. Nobody knows your home as well as you do, however Martin understands the buyers best.

Martin will find it easy to discuss the benefits of your home if you stay in the background. When prospective buyers want to talk price, terms or other real estate matters, let them speak in privacy. Martin has all the necessary skills and qualifications to discuss the important matters for the buyer, etc.