On average, a potential buyer decides about a property in the first 30 seconds of viewing.

The burgeoning home-staging industry - preparing a home to sell - is evidence of how important it is to create a great first impression when you decide to put your house on the market.

While estate agents have emphasised this for years, the hard realities of the property market have made it clear to owners that their home needs to stand out from the minute a potential buyer has arrived. But homeowners don't necessarily need to spend thousands hiring expert help.

According to Julien Hunt, branch manager of Chesterton Humberts' Tenterden office, there are a number of ways you can enhance your property yourself, starting with the exterior, a crucial factor in first impressions.

He said:"The exterior appearance of a property is often overlooked by vendors when preparing for a sale. If, in those first 30 seconds, potential buyers spot anything which may require time and money to correct, they may well be put off. Vendors need to make sure that their home is as welcoming from the outside as it is inside."

For more information about buying and selling a home, contact the Chesterton Humberts Tenterden branch on 01580 765858 or visit: www.chestertonhumberts.com

Julien Hunt's top tips:

• Make sure the path/drive is clear and in a good condition
• Give the front garden a tidy and move any plant pots which have seen better days
• If your gate or front door is looking a bit tired, give it a new lick of paint or varnish and ensure door handles or numbers are polished
• De-clutter the entrance hall - move any unnecessary items like umbrellas, an excessive number of coats hanging up and muddy wellies or shoes. Remember to give the doormat a good shake
• Keep the homely feel - many vendors de-personalise their home by applying the minimalist feel when preparing a property for a sale. Seeing a property as a home is more attractive to buyers than viewing a house that looks unlived in
• Lighting - don't go over the top and put every light on in the house unnecessarily. If the room is light and bright anyway, potential buyers may think that you are trying to cover up that the room is lacking in natural light.