For most of us, buying and selling our homes tend to be the largest transactions of our lives. For this reason alone, it is advisable to get as much expert assistance as possible to guide us through the transaction.

Nevertheless, selecting and appointing an estate agent to sell your home shouldn’t mean a complete abdication of responsibility on your part. You are after all the one with the largest vested interest in the sale.

While in most cases your appointed estate agent will take responsibility for creating the marketing material for your home, below are some helpful ideas to share with your estate agent to assist with the marketing of your home:

1. Make a list of the features you like most about the home. You know the potential market better than anyone else and you will know the qualities of the home that appeal to you. These same qualities will likely resonate with potential buyers.
2. Avoid anything derogatory in your description of the property. Don’t draw attention to that leaky faucet or a crack in the ceiling. This doesn't mean you shouldn't disclose the fact that the tap is leaking but it shouldn't be addressed in your ads.
3. Practice economy of language. If you cannot describe the home in less than 120 words then it is likely that people will not completely read your ad. This means they may miss a vital piece of information in the advertisement that could have singled this home out.
4. Focus your language on the key features of the home. Such as the kitchen, bathrooms and living areas.
5. Point out unique features like specialized landscaping.
6. Use a number of photos in all advertising. Make sure the photos are clear and balanced.
7. Do not leave the car parked in the driveway, leave toys on the floor or have a cluttered kitchen sink in any of your photographs. Just a few minutes staging and composing a photograph can make all the difference.
8. Generally but not always try to use a photo of the exterior front of the home.
9. Do not oversell the property. This means that you should not portray a quaint family home in the suburbs as an Arabian Palace.
10. Most of all your ads should be engaging and fun.