The ideal person has the money and no chain. Otherwise I don't care.

The house I own now is set to become the place I've lived in the longest this year. But if I choose to sell then any emotional connection is done. So as a seller I'd go for the potential buyer who seems least likely to be a ballache. Someone who communicates well, turns up to viewings on time, just doesn't seem like a flake, etc.

As others have said, shiw that you're dependable and don't mess the vendor around. A few other points that come to mind:

• Be ready and able to confirm you have financing in place, whether that's sufficient cash or pre-approval for a mortgage.

• Know when you want to move, but be prepared to be a little flexible so they can manage their dates too.

• Know who's going to be your conveyancing solicitor, let them know you're planning to buy, and have their contact details ready for the vendor or agent.

• It'll probably be the agent showing you around, and if so they probably won't know much detail about the property, but they can usually find out afterwards.

• If you're going to make an offer, don't hang about, they'll be showing multiple prospective buyers around either on the same day or the surrounding days. If you like it, make an offer within a few hours of seeing it. You can state that the offer is pending certain information (the things the agent couldn't tell you) and the survey, but don't leave the vendor hanging.

As some others have said - try to avoid those that could clearly be problematic and I'll add that the ideal buyer has cash and no chain. Full stop. But they're a rarity!

Moving house is so stressful you want a buyer who is not going to mess about or pull out last minute, though it's very difficult to know what they will actually be like. No chain at their end always adds a little comfort in being less likely to fall through.

I couldn't care less who buys from me and you're just creating more opportunities for problems by trying to be nice or favouring someone you perceive to be 'better'. You'll never truly know them.

Do you do the same selling your car or furniture? I very much doubt it. Same thing here, and some given the money involved.

Talk factually to your viewers is my advice. Don't try to please, the facts will do the work for you. If it's not right for them they'll be more likely to pull out if you manage to twist their arm! Bear in mind, most viewers will be lead around by an estate agent most of the time so give them space and time to amble about a bit too.

As a buyer I don't care what the seller says. They'll always be trying to make it sound great, but that's not necessarily 'bad', just biased/selling talk and as a seller you'll do the same instinctively. I get a survey done and view the house with my wants and needs in mind, something the seller will largely be oblivious to, partially as viewings are more often done with an estate agent rather than owner.

I sold mine a couple of years ago. I ended up with a flappy woman who bailed, so I'd be wary of flappy. I ended up selling to a nice young lad who was reliable.

I looked for: a) didn't try and negotiate directly with me b) didn't try and find faults with the house indicating theyd try and get money off c) was polite and friendly d) genuinely liked the house e) seemed reliable in some way, I didn't care if they were blue collar as long as they were reliable

I knocked back offers from people who didn't fit that criteria.

It all depends on your audience, we can't say how they tick, and neitheir can you. Sometimes it clicks, sometimes it don't. Attire depends on the folks selling, and the hood. Remember it's not a wedding. If you're sure what you're doing don't ask too much about the house (might imply you're searching for issues to lower the price), ask about probably outstanding features (bidet or whatever). If they seem the DIY type, ask if they did #feature themselves, praise workmanship but don't imply that it looks really shitty DYI. And relax.