Whilst we have been fortunate in the Aberdeen area to see the property market holding its own times are tough and selling your home cannot be taken for granted.

Sprucing up your house or home staging as it is known has become increasingly popular over the years and Ann Maurice the American house doctor is famous for her no – nonsense approach to it.  A mixture of flair and practicality has become her trademark. Our very own "Ann Maurice" - Anne-Maryse Churchill offers some practical advice.

Your home is the biggest investment of your life in most cases and it is important to make the very best of it.  I have known many sellers to say that they wish they had spruced up their homes for them to enjoy rather than for the benefit of the purchaser.  Some have even fallen in love again with their homes and simply decided to stay put, renovate or extend.

De-cluttering your home can make you feel good about yourself and your house.  Cast a critical eye over your property and take advice from well trusted friends or relatives about what needs to be done.  Be realistic, if you cannot afford to spend very much, a simple freshen up of paintwork and linen can make a big difference.  It goes without saying that a clean, bright, fresh smelling house is going to be much more attractive to a prospective purchaser.  The old adage of freshly baked bread and “real” coffee does make a difference. Flowers, pretty pictures, stylish colours of throws and cushions are all effective.  Compare that with old newspapers and flowing ashtrays and you get the picture! It is about selling a life style and giving viewers the ability to imagine themselves staying there.  That is why show homes are so effective.

When showing your property get someone to take the children and pets out to enjoy an activity away from the home to allow you to make things “just so” and speak to your viewer properly without distraction.

Lastly if you cannot afford your own home stylist simply search the internet for a wide range of ideas.  Ann Maurice has her own website known as The House Doctor Network which is a great starting point.

Good luck with the sale of your property.  Our own in-house team at James & George Collie Sales Department are always on hand and delighted to help. They can be contacted at 220 Union Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1TL on 01224-572777.

For more information on selling your home, please contact Anne-Maryse Churchill on 01224-581581.