Fasten your seatbelts there's turbulence ahead!

When the property market was booming, two types of homes sold quickly. Those in an utter state (do it up and make a few quid) and those painted white with wooden floors (that makes a good buy to let!).

It’s not that simple these days. You will find that some properties sell quicker than others. We are in a different marketplace and you need to be up-to-date with what is going on in order to position and price your house correctly;

If the Chancellor of the Exchequer says the economy is slowing down. You might as well prepare for the worst. If the governor of the Bank of England says inflation is on the up, you should probably expect higher interest rates. And if the bookies are running bets on just how high oil prices are going to rise then it’s likely that we have not seen the end of fuel and energy price rises!

There’s no point ignoring what’s going on in the economy. However, there are things that you can do to make your property stands out in the crowd.

Some rules still apply;

1. Outlandish decorations are off-putting to buyers
2. Got a dog or a cat? Either pack it off to spend time with a relative or friend or confine its movements. You may not think your property has an “aroma du chien” but it will!
3. Children are lovely. Their rubbish, mess, underwear and toys are not! Make sure they are packed away and try to ensure their clothes and belongings are tidied away, rooms aerated and posters kept to a minimum.
4. Trinkets and tat. Never good, even at the best of times. Remember if you are selling, then you need to sell a lifestyle to your buyer. Not your lifestyle but a lifestyle!
5. Gardens should be clean and clear and manicured to show them at their best.

Now for the new stuff;

1. Decking is so last decade. If you can, have a vegetable patch. Clean, clear and well groomed gardens also attracts a buyer.
2. The rule used to be worst house/flat in the best street. Now it’s the best house/flat in whichever street.
3. Lag the loft. Forget the environmentalists who think the planet is going to burn away in a ball of flames if we don’t reduce carbon emissions. This is about hard-earned cash. With fuel bills expected to rise by up to 40% - energy efficiency is key.
4. Property in a state? There’s no longer a premium for properties which are ready to be done up. Get the work done yourself as properties that are ready to move in to are selling more quickly.
5. Cable/satellite TV, broadband internet and surround sound TV – these kinds of built in features really attract buyers and having the right cabling (preferable concealed) is a real plus.

In order to sell your property you are going to have to try harder. Make your property stand out. Remember the market has not ground to a halt. It has slowed. Properties that are over priced or a hassle to take on are the ones that will stick. If you know there is a problem, fix it. Price it correctly and make the buyer excited by the proposition and you will find it easier to sell and you will achieve a better price.

Good luck. Happy decorating, lagging, cabling and gardening!