Tips to sell or rent a home lacking joie de vivre:

Each property needs to claim its own appeal, so sell on individuality.

Unless a house invites you to expose its dramatic side, avoid paint colours that are jaw-droppers. Don't jumble styles. Tranquillity sells.

Check out display homes to understand that clutter does not sell. If you are living in the home while it is on the market remove family photo frames and other personal belongings (bathroom items, piles of children's shoes and toys, ironing boards, benchtop containers, fussy ornaments). The buyer is not emotionally involved in your cherished memories and may be purchasing for investment, so present a polished view.

Never forget the all-important mailbox. Does it greet everyone with a mean, skinny, bent stance? Let it reflect substance (as if to imply that whoever lives here receives money in the post).

Front and back door mats shouldnt be wimpy.

The sad roundabout clothesline dates a backyard and steals eye-space. Fit a compact or fold-down style. Slash ragged gardens in rented homes -- landscape and pave for minimum upkeep. Tenants have no intention of lavishing water on it or spending their weekends weeding. Offering lawn mowing with the lease means you can keep a friendly watch on garden maintenance.

Boost your profits by presenting fresh, resort-inspired rooms. Scrub floors, then get to the nitty gritty on ovens, cupboards, benchtops, windows and walls. Grease is sleaze.

Kitchen sinks need to be hygienic. Shine furiously until it gives you a glossy wink. No forgotten gooey plugs, sponges and sticky detergent bottles here please.

Open all windows for as long and frequently as possible. Artificial deodorisers are not equal to cross ventilation (don't drench the air with fake bouquets).

Bathrooms must gleam. Clean, opening colours are shell pink, vogue blue, aqua, coral and mint. Ivory and cream tones send out classic waves. Use them with gold accessories when you want elegance. Hang new, luxuriant towels. Fancy soaps in the ensuite will be noticed. Match aromatherapy sets to the theme (oceanic for example suggests serene greens, starfish, seaglass, shells, fishnet, cork, decorative seaweed, seaflower or saltspray essence, turquoise bottles, Mediterranean vase).

Fit new toilet seats (choose a modern design with some substance). Replace the toilet brush and slide on a roll of quilted tissue.

Newly shampooed carpets ensure there are no stale whiffs to turn up noses. Pet odours and hairs can be offensive.

If the house is being sold/rented without furniture, the walls and carpet will stare at all who walk through. Be sure theyre spotless. Temperature is important too. Icy or sweating houses make you want to run for comfort. Do something about it. (If you are selling in winter, think winter warmers; in summer think crisp zephyrs).

New quilt covers energize the master bedroom (avoid overly-feminine styles). Let the viewers inhale sensuality.

Professional floral arrangements show a sense of taste. If you can only have one display, then let it exclaim itself in either the sitting room or master bedroom (orchids are swish here).

Have a artists view of your pictures. Do they convey the mood?

Prominently display a splendid, romantic gift basket (kitchen benchtop is ideal) as a psychological nudge. Pose two champagne glasses beside it.

Never put your private emotions into renting/selling. This is a deal for your wealth.

Promote your investment.

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