LYNN Pick is the local consultant for House Doctor Network and has her own company, Home Stylers.

She trained with and worked alongside Channel 5's Ann Maurice, TV's House Doctor and helped to launch her House Doctor Network several years ago.

Lynn said: "The secret to successful home staging is getting the buyer to imagine themselves living in the property, as surprisingly, nine out of 10 people cannot visualise a room looking any different to how it's presented to them.

"By de-personalising the space and showing the home to its best advantage, potential buyers can quickly see its best assets, without being distracted by the owners' possessions or turned off by interiors that aren't to their taste."

Lynn's Home Staging tips:

Thin out personal possessions to maximise the feeling of space

Check furniture placement is optimal and furniture is correctly sized

Make sure any maintenance jobs have been completed and the finish is up to scratch

Ensure the property has a harmonious colour scheme

Maximise light in the property with checking of window treatments, mirrors and lighting

Ensure a high level of cleanliness

Remove or reduce items that reflect the vendor's personal taste and could turn off buyers

Introduce aspirational accessories, if required, and complete the final styling

Finally, make the property feel alive by appealing to all the senses with plants, fragrances and lighting.

Says Ann Maurice: "Since 2006 when the House Doctor team was launched, we have been working with homeowners to help them sell houses. It takes a significant amount of time and expertise to identify what changes will make the most difference to the appeal of a property and work with a homeowner to make them.

"We aim to make the maximum difference for the smallest possible outlay, as we recognise nobody wants to spend more money than they need when they are moving."

For example, Lynn's in-depth three-hour consultations are only £150, and often this can be enough to make a crucial difference to a property's saleability.

For more information, call Lynn on 07932 694 904 or visit www.home-makeovers.co.uk and www.housedoctor.co.uk