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.

Cut back overgrown shrubbery that looks scraggly or keeps light out of the house.

Paint your house if necessary. This can probably do more for sales appeal than any other factor. If you decide against painting, at least consider touching up front shutters and window frames.

Inspect the roof and gutters. Any missing shingles to replace? Gutters and down spouts in place? Need paint or repair?

Consider putting flowers outside the front door.

Repaint the front door.

The kitchen is the most important room in the house. Make it bright and attractive. If dull, paint cabinets and put up perky new curtains.

Clean the ventilating hood in the kitchen.

If the kitchen floor is badly worn, put down new flooring. Replace any loose tiles.

Remove any appliances that you keep on your counters. Clean counters make the room look larger.

Repair dripping faucets.

Use special cleaning products to remove stains from toilets, bathtubs, sinks and showers.

If the sink and bathtub drain too slowly, unclog them.

Have all plaster in top shape. Cracks (or nail-pops, visible seams in the dry walls) are easy to fix.

Check ceilings for leaks and stains. Fix the cause of the damage, repair the ceiling and paint.

In painting and redecorating, avoid offbeat colors -- stick to conventional white outside and easy-to-work-with pastels inside.

If you have a fireplace, clean it out and lay some logs in it to make it look inviting.

Wash windows.

Replace broken glass.

Mend torn screens.

Check to see that all windows will open and close.

Replace burned-out light bulbs. Use brighter light bulbs.

Make sure every light switch works.

Make the floors shine; clean and polish them; and nail down any cracking boards or stair treads.

Straighten up the closets -- get rid of excess items. Use air freshener to eliminate musty odors. Lubricate any sticky or squeaking doors.

For sliding doors that stick in their tracks, rub the tracks with paraffin or candle wax.

Clean our the attic, basement and garage and dispose of everything you are not going to move, and package everything you won't need until you're settled in your new home.

Keep room draperies and shades open to let in light. This also makes rooms appear larger.

Have your home well-lighted during showing.

At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting in back if you have it.

Neatness makes a room look bigger. Avoid clutter.

If possible, leave your furniture and rugs in the house for showing it.

Avoid having dirty dishes in the sink or on counters.

Keep any toys in the children's rooms. Bikes, wagons and skateboards should be made as inconspicuous as possible.

Keep radio, stereo, TV off or turned way down.

Take your family away if you broker is holding an open house.

Refer direct inquiries you receive about seeing your house to your Realtor to take advantage of his/her professional's skills in selling your home.

Don't mention furniture of furnishings you wish to dispose of unless asked. Such discussion can kill the sale.

Take pets outdoors when your house is being shown.

Let the real estate agent show your house, and don't tag along. Answer questions candidly when asked, but don't offer answers to unasked questions.