How to prepare your home so it stands out
A practical pre-listing checklist for sellers to prepare their home in West Orlando, Clermont, Winter Garden, Windermere, Minneola, and Montverde to help maximize buyer interest.
SELLING A HOME
Eric Stalnaker
10/16/20251 min read
Preparing a home now is not about spending a fortune. It’s about removing friction and letting buyers picture themselves living there. With inventory higher and buyers more selective in late 2025, first impressions win. (Realtor)
Pre-listing action plan:
Professional photos and a strong online description. Most buyers start online. Bad photos cost you offers.
Declutter and depersonalize. You want buyers imagining their life, not your vacation photos.
Fix the obvious. Loose tiles, leaky faucets, burned-out lights. These are deal killers in showings.
Staging for top rooms—focus on the living area, kitchen, and master bedroom. Staged homes sell faster and at higher prices.
Pre-listing inspection. Identify items you’ll fix and which you’ll disclose. This reduces surprises and positions you as transparent.
Pricing and Timing: pair the prep with a sharp pricing strategy based on recent local comps. Reports show longer time on market in many metros as of late 2025, so the listing that launches with full prep and accurate pricing has a clear advantage. (Realtor)
Other Possible Options: Offer flexibility on closing dates and consider modest seller credits or inspection contingencies if you want to broaden buyer interest quickly. Small concessions can beat long marketing cycles. Market forecasts indicate stable prices and possible modest increases in buyer activity if rates ease slightly. (CBS News)
Want my full pre-listing checklist and a prioritized staging budget tailored to your home? I’ll deliver it within 48 hours and show how each step affects your likely sale price.
