On stepping through the door, what's the first thing to grab the attention . . . a clutter-free hall with an overall air of freshness? Or bikes, gym bags and the heady scent of damp dog? Smell is a very potent decider for those entering a house for the first time, so banish the crusty trainers and send lovable, stinky Fido on holiday.

Should you spend a substantial sum on home improvements before selling? If the house is a complete renovation job, then it's not prudent to invest, but if it's simply that the house is looking a little 'tired' in terms of decor, then it could be money well spent. "In this market, it's probably more important than ever to present a property at its optimum best, " says Iris Keating of Douglas Newman Good. "Money spent on cutting the grass and painting may not be recouped, but it may make the process of selling easier, and speedier. Kitchens are a huge focus for buyers, so replacing shabby unit doors, or simply giving them a good scrub and replacing handles can work wonders."

Consider a consultation with a specialist . Think of the type of buyer to whom your home will most appeal. Architect Eva Byrne (087-294 0805) offers a consultancy service (from 300 for two hours) which includes presenting a home to best advantage.

"Clean, tidy and de-clutter thoroughly to let the space and light speak for themselves. Ensure windows are sparkling. Remember that every drawer and cupboard will be opened and inspected. Tidy up the outside areas and get in some seasonal colour if necessary by means of flowering plants, " she says.

Kitchens and bathrooms are a huge focus for buyers and these are the rooms that must be hygienically clean. Call in specialist cleaning "rms who will have a team with a daily rate for the task. A pristine white bathroom suite is essential.

De-personalise. Much as you think junior's artistic handprints from playschool, fiddly framed holiday pics and two dozen cuddly toys on the bed are terribly cute, they are really someone else's clutter. All agents advise taking away excess amounts of memorabilia and personal items because most buyers are completely unmoved by these things.

Don't overdo the neutralising. The trick is to create warmth and welcome yet let viewers see the potential to change things around to their own style. A vase of fresh flowers and softly-lit lamps in the hall always makes a nice welcome. The beauty of a neutral paint backdrop is that it lets you inject colour through the accessories.

Enhance the space. Investing in mirrors that can be maximise the sense of space as well as light can be worthwhile . . . and you can always take them with your when you go Pretend you are a buyer looking at your own house . . . which is not as easy as it sounds. Better still, get a fresh pair of eyes to give your home the once over. This is where a critical relative, rather than your sensitive best friend, will give you an honest appraisal.

Lastly, when presenting your house for sale, don't hang around and wait for the buyer. Leave it up to the estate agent to sell your home . . . that's what you're paying them for. There's nothing more off-putting than having the vendor follow you around the house while you're looking at it.