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

It is wise to ask yourself if your house is as presentable as it can be for a faster sale at the best price. The best way to find out is to imagine you are a prospective buyer. You have probably been looking at many other homes; so approach your present home the way you look at other houses.

Here are 51 time-tested tips suggest to make your home more sell able. 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 improvement.

Clean up, fix up, paint up
The Outside
1. Invest in landscaping where it can be seen at first sight. A well manicured lawn, neatly clipped shrubbery, clean swept walks create a good first impression.
2. An extra shot of fertilizer, in season, will make your grass look lush and green.
3. Cut back overgrown shrubbery that looks scraggly or keeps light out of the house.
4. Paint your house if necessary. This can probably do more for sales appeal than any other factor. If you decide against paint, at least consider touching up front shutters and window frames.
5. In winter, walks should be free of snow and ice.
6. Inspect the roof and gutters. Any missing shingles to replace? Gutters and down spouts in place? Need paint or repair?
7. Consider putting flowers outside the front door.
8. Repaint the front door, if necessary.
9. Put a bright coat of paint on your mailbox, if necessary.
10. Repair broken outdoor steps.

This is part 1 of a 4 part presentation.