People usually decide within two minutes whether they like your home. The first impression is often the lasting impression. And they start forming their opinion before they even walk in the front door!

Here are some time-tested tips to make your home more presentable. A good rule to follow is to do cosmetic things which will improve your chances of selling, but avoid making major changes unless they will increase the value of your home more than the cost of the improvements.

OUTSIDE:

1. Invest in landscaping where it can be seen at first sight. A well manicured lawn, neatly clipped shrubbery, cleanly swept walks create a good first impression.
2. Cut back overgrown shrubbery that looks scraggly or keeps light out of the house.
3. Paint your house if necessary. This can probably do more for sales appeal than any other factor.
4. Inspect the roof and gutters. Any missing shingles to replace? Gutters and down spouts in place? Need paint or repair?
5. Consider putting flowers outside the front door.
6. Repaint the front door.
7. The kitchen is the most important room in the house. Make it bright and attractive.
8. Remove any appliances that you keep on your counter. Clean counters make the room look larger.

BATHROOM:

1. Repair dripping faucets
2. Use special cleaning products to remove stains from toils, bathtubs, sinks and showers.

LIVING AREAS:

1. Have all plaster in top shape.
2. Check ceilings for leak stains.
3. In painting and redecorating, avoid offbeat colors. Stick to conventional white outside and easy-to-work with pastels inside.
4. If you have a fireplace, clean it out and lay some logs in it to make it look inviting.
5. Mend torn screens.
6. Replace burned out light bulbs. Use brighter light bulbs.
7. Make sure every light switch works.
8. Make the floors shine.
9. Straighten up closets. Get rid of excess items.

WHEN YOUR HOUSE IS BEING SHOWN:

1. Keep room draperies and shades open to let light in.
2. Have your home well-lighted during showing.
3. Avoid clutter.
4. If possible, leave your furniture and rugs in the house.
5. Keep any toys in the children's rooms.
6. Keep radio, stereo, TV off or turned way down.
7. Take your family away if your broker is holding an open house.
8. Refer direct inquiries you receive about seeing your house to your Realtor to take advantage of his professional skills in selling your home.
9. Don't mention furniture or furnishings you wish to dispose of unless asked. Such discussions can kill the sale.
10. Take pets outdoors when your house is being shown.
11. Let your real estate agent show your house, and don't tag along.