So, you're ready to sell your home?

If you've never listed your property or haven't done so in a long time, it can be very easy to overlook this process's essential steps. This past January in New Hampshire, properties spent an average of 38 days on the market; that's a 41% drop off from last January. With homes spending little to no time on the market, sellers can become overwhelming to manage the moving process once their property is active.

If you want to ensure your home-selling process is as hassle-free as possible, it's essential to take the necessary steps leading up to listing your property.

Here, we'll talk about five key steps that you should take as you prepare to list your property:

Hiring the right agent is not only the first step in this process but a decision that will pay dividends throughout the entirety of it. A high-quality agent can help you in not only selling your home but the preparation process as well.

The right agent will not just pitch to you why they would be a good fit for this process because many will, but the right agent will look to offer guidance and suggestions about every aspect of the process. Many moving pieces are often overlooked, so pick your agent's brain about anything and everything. A cohesive relationship with your agent will help create a seamless process from start to finish.

Clean, Fix, and Clean

A thorough cleaning is essential. Any dust, dirt, odors, or oddities will stick out to the prospective buyer. If you're still living in the property, have kids, or just a busy schedule, it can certainly be a challenge to keep your house spotless during this process, but one thorough cleaning before listing and showings should be just enough.

When your agent walks through your house, they'll also note details that might need some attention. This could be as simple as changing some light bulbs and covering outlet wall plates or fixes requiring more attention. Nonetheless, your agent will provide insight on which fixes will be necessary if any.

Make Your Home A House

This step is for the benefit of both you and potential suitors. Along with the people, what makes your house a home are the personal details unique to those living there. By depersonalizing your home, it begins the detachment process from your property. It can also make it easier for those viewing your home to feel an attachment towards the property.

Stage Your Home

After you've depersonalized your home, it may feel empty and not so "homey." That's why you should consider staging your home to appeal to any potential suitors.

Be sure to ask your agent if they have contacts with any professional stagers they can refer you to. Staging is a precious tool in the home selling process; a staged home will sell for, on average, 17% more than a non-staged home.

Bring on the Buyers

The last thing to do is to list your home For Sale on the MLS. Your agent will bring in a photographer and begin implementing their powerful marketing program to get your house sold as quickly and for as much money as possible.

As we said, properties are not spending a lot of time on the market. This means a flooded field of hungry buyers searching for their next home, so be ready to read through some offers and make a decision!

By following these few simple steps in the weeks leading up to listing your property, your home will not only show well but could be the talk of the town amongst buyers!