How to display default value for Advanced search fields

This question is regarding Auctionpress theme advanced search.
Currently the search fields show blank when page loads, untill clicked on a dropdown or select list to select the value.
Would it be possible to display a caption or a default value e.g. “Select a value …” etc as first value of the select list?

Also how to display the fields horizontally side by side to each other ?

Thanks for help