Sharon Ferguson is the Senior Negotiator at Alan Dale's Longton Office. She has worked in Estate Agency for over 16 years - a little longer than she sometimes cares to admit! Over that time, however Sharon has gained a great deal of experience having been involved in literally thousands of house sales. "To be honest you never really know why a certain purchaser is drawn to a certain property. It can come down to such a wide variety of things but I do feel that first impressions are crucial and there are certain things that a vendor can do to help promote their property in the best possible light and therefore increase their prospects of a sale". Here are a list of tips that she hopes people may find helpful.

Very often when we give out property information a potential buyer will say "I'll drive past the outside first before arranging a viewing". It is therefore vital that the outside of your home should create a positive impression. A nicely manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a freshly painted front door will help to encourage a potential buyer to make an appointment.

This is a very obvious one really but on average viewers will only spend around 10 minutes at your property so you have very little time and the house needs to look it's best. Run the Hoover round, get the dishes done and clear away the kid's toys. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paintwork is fading consider some minor redecoration. Fresh paint and perhaps even wallpaper adds charm and value to your property.

When arranging appointments for people to view try to be as flexible as other commitments allow but also consider the "best" time for the viewing. If your home is on a main road it would be a good idea to avoid appointments in the "rush hour". If you are near to a school you may want to avoid 9am and 3:15pm.

Many people, myself included, feel that pets are a vital ingredient to making a "home". Some people, however, are nervous or wary around animals and just this once it may be a good idea to keep your pets out of the way.

Let the sun shine in! Pull back the curtains so prospective purchasers can see how bright and cheery your home is.

Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. For further added allure display your best towels, mats and shower curtains.

Potenial buyers often feel like intruders when they enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserves, they're likely to hurry through. Try to keep the company present to a minimum.

Be friendly but don't try to force the conversation. Prospective purchasers want to view your home with the minimum of distraction.

Some people advise that the smells of baking bread or percolating coffee can make the difference in assisting with a house sale. My personal choice, however, is fresh flowers. They not only smell good but look fantastic and help to create a good atmosphere.

When prospective purchasers want to "talk price" ask them to contact your agent. Rather than be put on the spot direct them back to ourselves. We will be able to carry out all the necessary checks with their solicitors, estate agents, etc. and then with this information you can make a considerd decision in posession of all the relevent details.