Get an agent

First, know the current rate in your area. You may need a good real estate agent to help sell your flat. However, it isn't a question of selling alone; one has to ensure it is sold quickly and the rate is better than the prevailing one. Therefore, hire a professional agent with good contacts.

Also, informing the maids and guards in your premises could prove helpful. Agents usually charge one to two per cent of the transaction value as commission. This, however, is negotiable.

A compact kitchen

It is best to remodel the kitchen and the bathrooms. Most women judge a house based on how compact and useful the kitchen looks. If it isn't spacious, ensure you have dedicated space for daily- use electronics items such as a microwave- oven, a mixer- grinder and a washing machine. To give it a modern look, one could consider furniture fixtures for these. Modular kitchens are becoming popular, as these make the kitchen look bigger; all unwanted items can be stashed away in stylish drawers. You can get these custom- made for anything upwards of ₹ 30,000.

Basic wood- work and kitchen fixtures could fetch you 5- 15 per cent more than the actual resale rate in your area.

Fix problems

Don't leave repair work for the new buyer. This would leave a bad impression, which might result in lower resale value. Plumbing and lighting problems are common and people often avoid resolving these.

As a buyer would spend a huge sum on the house, he/ she wouldn't want unnecessary overhead expenses. Basic changes in electrical wiring and fixing taps and fittings could cost you ₹ 20,000- 50,000.

Upgrade interiors

On an average, people spend ₹ 100- 700 a square foot on beautifying their house, including on interiors and upgrades.

A spacious living room and a compact kitchen improve the image of a house. Get rid of unwanted or broken furniture, as these occupy space and make the house look smaller than it is. One might also consider painting at least those parts of the house that look shabby and are probably putting off buyers.

For a one bedroom hall kitchen flat, basic paint work would cost ₹ 20,000- 30,000.

Ready documents

If the house was bought on a loan, ensure your loan papers are in good condition, as potential buyers would need to take a look at these. Produce all loan- related papers and provide their photocopies. Obtain a no- objection certificate from the society, as this would indicate the house is ready for sale and the seller has no dues towards the society.

Good documentation takes away stress, making a customer more confident about buying a house.

Keep it clean

Keeping the place clean is the first step towards keeping negativity out. Therefore, even if you aren't staying in the house, ensure it is clean. A clean house, one that has natural light, has a positive impact on the buyer.

Small changes in the house, coupled with good maintenance and hygiene, could definitely attract potential buyers willing to give a premium.

Customize, but don't overdo it

Those who have extra space such as balconies have an edge, as balconies and store rooms act as add- ons. If you don't have a great view from the house, try enhancing the look of your balcony with plants and flower beds, as these provide a natural and soothing effect. If you have a dry balcony, convert this into a small storage room by separating it with a sliding door. The extra room would be a great selling point.