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James Hunt, co-founder of Durden & Hunt, on what you should prioritise when preparing to sell your home

When it comes to selling a property, every sale starts with the same first step: deciding to sell. Once you have made this decision there are a few things you can do to prepare your home, and yourself, for a smooth and successful launch.

Make room and declutter. Firstly, look at your house objectively, it is likely filled with precious memories and mementos from your life, and time living in the home, however these are unlikely to resonate in the same way with potential buyers. It's not to say these items must be discarded, but perhaps you could look to curate your collection and store the rest out of sight until they are needed again. The clearer your floors, shelves and worktops are kept, the bigger and more spacious the home will feel.

We often focus on the inside of our homes, but the outside is just as important. Consider the entire property, from garden and guttering to carpets and curtains, and if there are any a ordable refurbishments or repairs that could be done you may want to consider these.

Conduct a good clean of the home to present it in the best possible light. This, alongside decluttering, will make a di erence to those all