If you want buyers to be interested in your home, you need to show it in its best light. A good first impression can influence a buyer into making an offer; it influences a buyer emotionally and visually. In addition, what the buyer first sees is what they think of when they consider the asking price.

A bad first impression weighs in as deeply. Do not show your property until it's all fixed up. You do not want to give buyers the chance to use the negative first impression they have as means of negotiation. Something as simple as not having clean carpets can translate to thousands of dollars in the buyer's mental perception of what your home is worth.

Ask around for the opinions others have of your home. Real estate agents who see houses everyday can give you solid advice on what needs to be done. Consider also what architects or landscape designers might have to say. What you need are objective opinions, and it's sometimes hard to separate the emotional ties you have for your home from the actual condition of the property itself.

Typically, there are some general fix-ups that need to be done both ouside and inside your home. As a seller, you should consider the following:

• Landscaping - Has the front yard been maintained? Are the areas of the house visible to the street in good condition?

• Cleaning or repaving the driveway - Is your driveway cluttered with toys, tools, trash etc.? If your driveway is paved, are there visible cracks in the blacktop?

• Painting - Does both the exterior and the interior walls of your home look like they have been well taken care of?

• Carpeting - Does the carpet have stains? Does the carpet look old and dirty?