Many home sellers risk losing thousands of dollars by neglecting a few simple presentation “must dos” that can help to maximise the value of a property.

When you present a property on the market, there are some key areas to pay attention to.

Property presentation: Your property needs to appeal to the specific target market, whether it is first-home buyers or retirees.

Having the lawns mowed, paths swept and gardens weeded is a great start. A fresh coat of paint also livens up the property, and attention to detail is imperative.

Fix and replace any broken light fittings and light globes, as this will assist in the effective presentation of the property.

On the inside, think of how the property appeals to the five senses:

Smell – There's nothing like the aroma of baking bread and freshly brewed coffee to create a feeling of homeliness ... it creates a sense of how we'd all like to live and immediately puts you at ease

Sight – Mood lighting through the effective placement of lamps and down-lights helps to create an ambience, but be aware that the lighting does need to fit the rooms' purpose. Use warm, powerful lighting in bathrooms and softer lighting in lounge rooms.

Touch – Although, in general, we discourage consumers from touching items in the property, always make sure that kitchen benches and surfaces are wiped down and feel clean, and that floors are clean and non-sticky.

Sound – The all-important one - make sure you have background music that relaxes and calms. It shouldn't send you to sleep but it should create a mood. If it's a renovated property, you might opt for modern lounge music; if it's a casual-style property, perhaps some modern jazz.

Taste – A great little tip is to have a bowl of packaged lollies on the kitchen bench. Starbursts or Minties are great, as they are individually wrapped and provide a hit of flavor.

Although this has little to do with the property itself, it does improve the buyer's emotional experience when inside the home. The baked bread also works wonders here, as you almost feel that you can actually taste it as you walk past the oven.

Ensure that all rooms are presented in the manner that you would like to see them if you were a buyer: Everything should be in order - don't overload any cupboards, as the last thing you want is an avalanche.

Quickly vacuum all floor surfaces and pack away any unused dishes. You want to appeal to the emotions and create a great experience.

Focus on the space in the property, perhaps remove any excess furniture and keep doorways and hallways clear and easy to get through.

Art can also add substantially to a property, as it can help to set the mood.

Presenting your home for sale doesn't have to be hard. We have access to some great home handymen who can assist with the little jobs to ensure your home is at its best.

An effective agent will recommend any upgrades required to maximise your sale price and overall profit.