Get the help of property developers, a property inspection certificate and get ready to sell your house.

37. Time to go pro

Earlier we provided tips on getting to know your house and going around inside and outside to see what needs to be improved. Now its time to closely inspect your home for hidden defects. Its time for a professional inspector. Get him to examine those details that can make or break a deal.

One is the electrical wiring. A fire caused by faulty wiring is serious business. Instead of enjoying the cash from the sale of your house, your hard-earned equity is going towards paying damages and lawyers fees.

38. The radon test?

Experts love to mention the radon test. If you run a radon test in your house, this is a huge plus in the eyes of buyers. The longer the radon test, the more accurate are its results. High radon levels can be fixed. Always do retests, and provide results to your buyers.

39. This isn't a multiple choice test.

See to it that the professional inspector or home inspection company you hired provides you with a well written report. The fill-in-the-blank forms and check boxes type of report may be accurate, but a written, detailed analysis looks better to buyers. It demonstrates to them that you've done your sacred duty as seller.

40. The wells run dry.

Don't overlook details that can jeopardize the sale or put you in an awkward position later. If you have a well (most homes out in the far country still have wells!), have this inspected. If you have a written report, show this as well to the buyers.

41. What's that smell?

If you have a septic system, have a percolation test performed. If repairs are necessary, you either repair them before you sell, or disclose them to the buyers. Don't kill your chances of selling your house because of this detail.

42. Actually, now that you ask

Show all repairs in a written report to all prospective buyers. This will eliminate unpleasant surprises later that might delay the sale. Disclosing all house defects and problems will help reduce the time or process leading to the final sale. Non-disclosure can even cause a re-negotiation of the sale price if the buyers discover the defects themselves. If there is anything you don't want, its being forced to re-negotiate the price down because of non-disclosure of a fact that you were legally required to disclose.

43. Show that you mean business!

When the professionals have done their inspections and all reports are in your possession, make copies. You'll want to have as many copies of each report at arms length, so you're not scampering around for them at the last minute. Show buyers that you're acting conscientiously and being considerate of their concerns. This will indicate clearly that you're a serious seller and a professional one. Make sure the dates are clearly visible on each and every report.

44. If I were buying this house

After you're satisfied that the professional inspectors did their job correctly, act like one. Take one, long last look. Put on your eagle eyes, and ask yourself: if I were buying this house, what would I want done or repaired?

45. Is there an expert around?

In terms of repairs and fixes, follow the advice of Bill Effros: there are three categories of things you should fix:

• Legally required repairs;

• Little things that make a BIG difference;

• Big things that make a HUGE difference.