You can help sell your home faster for the best price with a little extra effort on your part.

1. First impressions are lasting. The front door greets the prospect so make sure it is fresh, clean, and scrubbed-looking. Keep the lawn trimmed and edged and the yard free of refuse. Be sure snow and ice is removed from walks and steps.

2. Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be.

3. Display the full value of your attic, basement and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles. Brighten dark, dull basements by painting walls.

4. Repairs can make a big difference. Loose doorknobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws detract from home value. Have them fixed. (When prospects see things that need attention, they begin to worry about things they can't see.)

5. Keep stairways clear. Avoid a cluttered appearance and possible injuries.

6. Avoid having too many people present during inspections. The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.

7. Bathrooms help sell homes. Check and repair caulking in bathtubs, showers, and sinks. Make the bathroom sparkle.

8. Kitchens add value to your home. Make sure the kitchen counter and cabinets are not cluttered.

9. Arrange bedrooms neatly. Remove excess furniture and use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.

10. Illumination is like a welcome sign. The potential buyer will feel a glowing warmth when you turn on all your lights for an evening inspection.

11. Clean out your closets. Neat closets will make give the impression that there is ample storage space.

12. Turn off the radio or television. Let the salesperson and buyer talk, free of disturbances.

13. Keep pets out of the way--preferably out of the house, or contained.

14. Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let the trained salesperson answer any objections--this is his/her job.

15. Let your Fairfield County Fine Homes Representative discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the customer. She is eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.