It's an old saying - you shouldn't ask others to do something you're not prepared to do yourself. This is particularly true in sales. many a first-class spiel has been brought down to earth with a thump by the question: ''Would you buy one?'' That's where Jane McNeill has an extra advantage. Jane, who works as a sales representative with one of Scotland's leading housebuilders, recently decided to move home. No prizes for guessing how she and her husband found their new abode.

Jane had been working at a development in Port Seton, only 12 miles east of Edinburgh. It is a beautiful area, overlooking the Firth of Forth, which combines the peace and quiet of country living with the convenience of being close to a major town. Jane had fallen in love with the development, so when the time came to move there was no problem deciding where to move to.

''I was very impressed by the area while working there,'' she said. ''We decided it was the ideal location for us. I was familiar with the development and I had already set my heart on the house I wanted.

Satisfied by Jane's confidence in the development, husband John was content to go with the plan. They were drawn to their new home by the large rooms and practical layout. the real selling point was the master bedroom with en suite shower: ''It was a real touch of luxury,'' said Jane. ''I feel like I have the best of both worlds.''

''I get all the conveniences of town living with none of the hassles. It's only a 15-minute drive into the city so getting to work is no trouble, and at night I get to come home to the seaside, out in the country.''