When it comes time to place a house on the market, there's no disputing that it's a stressful time as you try to get that all-important sale. Whether you're getting ready to sell your first house or you're a seasoned pro in the real estate business, the process of selling a property doesn't get any easier - especially when it comes to getting your property ready to be viewed.

Burlington Granite has 5 vital ideas for setting the stage for a sale, armed with plenty of cleaning tools and some TLC.

Conduct A Thorough Cleaning

Cleaning a property before a viewing may seem apparent, but if you're serious about selling, you'll want to go beyond a quick hoover and polish. The goal here is to get started as soon as possible. Don't fool yourself into thinking you can deep clean an entire property in the 2-hour window before a potential buyer arrives — you can't.

You'd be amazed at how much a first impression may influence a sale, with everything from a little unpleasant stench to an overflowing trashcan having the power to break a sale. As a result, care must be devoted to each room. If you're short on time, hiring a professional cleaning service or asking others to help with the cleanup room by room will save you time and ensure that every inch of the property is pristine. Create a checklist of tasks and check them off as you go, whatever technique you use. This way, you'll avoid missing the dust on the blinds during the last-minute craziness.

Don't Forget About The Outside

When it comes to house showings, one of the most frequently disregarded elements of the home is its outside. While your customer may not have considered their guttering since moving in, you can bet it's on the list of anyone going to view the home — and if it's clogged with leaves from three autumns ago or the front lawn is strewn with weeds, onlookers won't be impressed.

Walk around the outside of the property before a viewing and envision what you'd look for if you were hoping to buy. Whether it's tightening the doorknobs, painting the fence, or jet-washing the driveway, this seemingly trivial attention to detail can make all the difference when it comes to first impressions.

Concentrate On Aspirational Characteristics

In an ideal world, the home would sell itself, but this will necessitate some effort on your part before any prospective buyers come. If there are any particularly aspirational elements in the property, make them stick out — especially if it's something future buyers would have to pay for if they wanted something like that.

Whether the kitchen has a new granite worktop or the master bedroom has an ensuite with a drench shower and double vanity unit, make sure these features are highlighted and easily accessible as viewers tour the house. If they're attempting to choose between two houses, the patio addition can well be the deciding factor.

Depersonalize The Area

While your clients may adore a mix of feline-themed items and imitation flowers, it's crucial to remember that this will not be to everyone's taste. When trying to sell a house, keep in mind that it is made up of rooms, and any potential purchasers must be able to imagine themselves in those areas. From lounging in the living room to cooking up a storm in the kitchen, help viewers visualize themselves in this home.

Working with a blank canvas is one of the most effective methods to accomplish this. Stick to neutral hues and declutter as you go during your cleaning time. While the odd magazine may help to give the property a lived-in feel, heaps of papers and laundry will be ugly and, if anything, will make house seekers feel as if they are invading your client's space rather than being able to envision it as their own.

Take Advantage Of Light

Natural light is well-known for its health benefits, but did you know it can also help you sell a home? Natural light, when combined with neutral tones throughout the home, can truly add charm and open up rooms - but if you aren't blessed with an abundance of natural light, there is always the artificial option.

Well-lit rooms might appear more large and inviting, which is exactly the impression you want to give potential buyers. Brighter light bulbs will be required to guarantee that rooms are well-lit, so they are well worth the expenditure – even if you only use energy-saving ones for the viewings. Turn on all of the lights in each room so that everyone can see every nook and corner – yet another reason to be sure you've done step #1!

Whether you use one or all of these suggestions, the most important thing to remember when selling a home is that the people viewing it must be able to imagine themselves living there. Keep this in mind while you prepare the stage, and the finished product will be sure to dazzle!