To paint or not to paint? When you look at your house from across the street, does it look tired and shabby? If the answer is yes, a paint job may be just what the house doctor ordered in advance of the all important sales campaign.

Faded or chipped exterior paint is an immediate buyer turnoff. Fresh paint really spruces up the exterior of a house and makes your house look clean, bright, and inviting.

New paint is not a quick fix for all houses, but it is a great way to add appeal and make a home a little more welcoming. For the exterior, opt for neutral whites, creams, or neutrals and make sure the colour blends in with the neighbourhood.

While the cost of painting the outside of an average three-bedroom house in Dublin is in the region of €2,000, some people choose to get just the front of the house done as a cheaper option, according to painter and decorator Mick Sherlock (086 2512630).

Houses in bad condition, such as ex-rental properties, can be transformed by a good painter. On the inside, dingy rooms can be vastly improved with a quick paint job.

If a total paint job is out of question, why not just paint your front door, door frame and hall? See if you can stretch your painting to the main reception room or the first room would-be buyers will see. The smaller the job, the more likely you'll be able to do it yourself, saving precious cash.

Otherwise a total paint job will cost between €3,000 and €5,000 for an average three-bedroom house.

Again, when choosing a colour, it should not be something garish or unusual, but something that fits well with your home. Neutral colours are usually a good choice - they provide a blank canvas for potential homeowners to imagine themselves in your house.