YOU NEVER HAVE A SECOND CHANCE TO MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION! So here are some tips to make the first impression of your home a good one.

1. Tidy up the exterior - grounds, porches, garage, pool area, mailboxes . . . Keep your lawn trimmed, edged and watered. Make sure that your yard is clean of refuse.

2. Your front door gives a vital first impression. Be sure it is scrubbed clean and painted and make sure the door knob and locks are in perfect working order.

3. Make sure your window treatments such as blinds, curtains and draperies are clean and in good condition. Clean your windows.

4. If any decoration is needed, especially in the kitchen, do it now! $100 worth of paint may balance $500 in a price cut. Bathrooms help sell homes. Make them sparkle.

5. Keep all steps, hallways and walkways clear of hazards.

6. Don't forget to have all light sockets filled with lightbulbs that work. Illumination is like a welcome sign. The potential buyers will feel a glowing warmth when you turn on all your lights for a showing either day or night.

7. Wash dishes, clean kitchen and bathrooms, take out garbage, empty diaper pails, clean litter boxes, straighten up magazines and newspapers, eliminate clutter, deodorize, etc.

8. Make up beds with attractive bedspreads.

9. Keep pet areas clean, smelling fresh and pets out of the way when you are having a showing. They annoy and sometimes frighten buyers and divert the attention of other buyers.

10. Avoid having too many people present during showings. The many buyers will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house. Do not allow children to tag along on the home tour.

11. Leave showings to the REALTOR®. It is their business to sell: the REALTOR® needs to get the Buyer's reaction the house is being shown and Buyers won't feel comfortable expressing their reactions with the Seller present. The REALTOR also knows the Buyer's requirements and can best emphasize the features of your house. You will be called to answer questions when needed.

12. Don't discuss anything concerning the sale with the customer. Let the REALTOR® discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the customer. He/she is eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.

13. Don't try to sell furniture to a customer before the deal is completed. It's best to sell the furniture separate from the real estate transaction, in most cases. The exception to this is when selling a vacation property that will be used for vacation rentals and/or vacations for the owner.

14. Don't apologize your home's appearance. This just calls attention to negative aspects of the property and will be distracting to the Buyer.