I've spent many years looking at property and still amazed that vendors can't understand why their property isn't selling. The one thing most people forget, is that by the time you've decided to place your property on the market...it's no longer the place you're going to be living in. So the sooner that fact is acknowledged the sooner you can move on.

That means before the very first inspection, start packing up.

Here are a few bullet points to get you started:

* Reduce the number of personal items in each room.
* Pack away your book collection, unless you have an open and uncluttered library.
* Start storing toys that will not be in use during the sales period.
* Remove all personal family photos.
* Clean out the garage and attic so that you have a place to store items packed in boxes.
* Sell or give-away whatever you don't think you'll need in your new home.
* Repair anything damaged, including: chipped tiles, roof leaks, stained carpets etc

Take a long, hard look at your house and compare it to others in your street and neighborhood. How does it present from the outside? Could it be improved?

View as many properties as possible in your area so that you find out what your competition is. Only then will you understand what you're up against and how to present your property at its best.