If you want to buy a property at the new Buckshaw Retirement Village but are having problems selling your own home, you will now be able to call in the "House Doctor".

In her new position of Field Sales Manager, Maria Baker will be taking on the House Doctor role to help make the buying process run smoothly for people wanting to purchase a property within Buckshaw Retirement Village.

She will be helping people interested in moving into the three facilities at Buckshaw – The Court is for residents who are independent and like the idea of home ownership in a village community, The Grange assisted living facility is aimed at residents who need some support but don’t want to give up their independence and move into a care home, and The Lodge is a state-of-the-art dementia care facility, which is the most modern in Europe.

Maria explained: "I will advise people on how to best present their own property when they put it on the market. In today’s challenging climate this is more important than ever – it’s vital that you catch the eye of prospective purchasers." Her many tips on how to achieve a sale include:

• First impressions count, so make sure the front garden is tidy.
• When purchasers step inside, ensure they are not greeted by garish colours and decorations.
• Depersonalise the property as much as possible by removing clutter, photos etc before people arrive.
• Use heating and lighting to make sure your home is warm, bright and welcoming.

As well as giving House Doctor advice where required, Maria will also contact two estate agents to value the property, will collect information on what other similar properties are selling for within a mile or so of your home, and will then advise on the most appropriate selling price.

She said: "I’m extremely impressed by the quality of the facilities and the services available at Buckshaw Retirement Village. As well as the sales which the village is already achieving, they are also being contacted by many people who would like to purchase but who need to sell their own property first – this is where I will be able to use my experience to help make a difference."

Before joining the Buckshaw Retirment Village she spent 18 years working in sales roles with two Yorkshire housebuilders.