APART from Christmas shopping, home owner Rachel Foo will be busy sprucing up her five-room flat in Pasir Ris in the next few weeks.Mrs Foo, 38, a property agent who lives with her businessman husband Simon, 41, is selling their home of 10 years.

'There are just two of us and the flat is too big to maintain,' she says. The couple plan to move into a smaller home and are waiting to find out the valuation of their flat.

Despite the current raw economic climate and cooling property market, some Singaporeans are still looking to sell their homes.

Property experts say the reasons for selling include downsizing, changing the home's location and even upgrading to a bigger one.

Home owners say they are aware that a spruced-up home will make a sale easier.

Mrs Foo, for example, has picked up some tips from her colleagues on how to attract buyers.

She says making sure the flat is spick and span is most important. 'No sticky floors, as buyers want a home that makes them feel comfortable.'

Read the full story in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times' Life!