Miles Shipside, director of Rightmove,  recommendations for a property sale:
      
Polish till it sparkles. "Remove your rose-tinted spectacles, and look at your property with a diamond dealer's loupe, as that is the level of critique that many buyers now apply.
Immaculately prepared and presented property gems not only stand out, but give less reason for buyers to squeeze you on price", advises Shipside.
    
Price low. "Undercutting similar properties for sale is a must. Agents report that in order to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace the asking price has to look like a real bargain rather than merely competitively priced. With the transparency of the internet, potential buyers can easily judge which properties are over-priced", says Shipside.
    
Push the 'added value'. "If your property has real 'added value' features that give it an edge over similar looking ones,  then ensure your marketing really promotes the differences those extra benefits will make to a new occupier's life. If your advert fails to stir the emotions, then don't expect to shake local buyers into life",  adds Shipside

Source: Rightmove HousePrice Index 18th April 2011

"Selling a property for the highest possible price in most markets is always a challenge. When there is a glut of properties on the market, however, it is the properties which stand out as exceptional examples of their ilk which tend to attract higher values. What is certain is that a property's location and the way it is presented, both interiorly and exteriorly, are the key factors in influencing buyers.

Preparing a property for market is not something to be undertaken lightly. Consumers are a wise bunch these days and can spot an amateur attempt immediately. Short-term measures one can take to wow potential buyers such as home staging, sprucing up the décor and generally tidying up.

Primelocation.co.uk
   

 Property professional quote - Lisa Mackenzie - Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward

"It is vital that a seller shows their property in its best light, and remembers that the front and rear of a property is just as important in making a good impression as the inside. Keeping your home neutral - in colour, and in taste, can go a long way to making your home saleable."

Lisa MacKenzie, Regional Sales Director at Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward
   

Property professional quote - Andrew Winter - presentation - first impressions

'First Impressions count when selling a house. Price & presentation are critical to sell your home ''. 
Andrew Winter, Estate Agent and presenter of Channel 4's Selling Houses 

Property professional quote - Ann Maurice - presentation - offers

'Get the presentation right and the offers will follow''. 
Ann Maurice, Channel 5's House Doctor ® on Home Staging 

Property professional quote - Andrew Ryde - property presentation - market

'It may seem like common sense but good property presentation can really affect the bottom line figure achieved, and give you the edge on the competition, which is especially important in a tough market.  Sometimes all it takes is a fresh pair of eyes'. 
Andrew Ryde, Chamberlains Estates, Enfield

Property professional quote - Sarah Beeney - professional support - trades 

'Doing a job badly and then getting someone in to sort it out can be much more expensive than getting someone in to do the job properly in the first place''. 
Sarah Beeney, Property Developer and TV presenter of 'Property ladder'. 

Property professional quote - Colin & Justin - upgrades -  potential buyers

'Upgrading your home and garden are a sure way of attracting potential buyers''. 
Colin and Justin Designers and TV presenters

Property professional quote - Mark Readings - presentation - advantages - interest

" In this market vendors have to gain as many advantages as possible. In a market saturated by high stock levels it is essential to ensure that properties comply with the three P's - portal exposure, price & presentation.  The better the property looks the more interest there will be." 
Mark Readings of House Network online Estate Agents