What Michigan and Florida Home Sellers Should Prepare Before Listing Their Home on the MLS

1. Gather Key Property Information Early

Buyers and agents expect accurate, complete information as soon as a listing goes live. Before listing, sellers should gather:

• Property tax information

• Year built and square footage

• Utility costs (helpful for buyers)

• HOA or condo association details (if applicable)

• Recent upgrades or renovations

Having this information ready reduces back-and-forth, prevents listing errors, and builds buyer confidence from day one.

2. Understand State-Specific Disclosure Requirements

Disclosure rules vary by state, and missing information can delay or even derail a transaction.

Selling a Home in Michigan

Michigan requires a Seller’s Disclosure Statement covering property condition, systems, and known issues. Preparing this early helps avoid surprises later in the transaction.

Learn more from Michigan REALTORS®:
https://www.mirealtors.com

Selling a Home in Florida

Florida sellers must disclose any known material defects that could affect property value. Condos and HOA-managed properties may require additional documentation as well.

Guidance is available through Florida REALTORS®:
https://www.floridarealtors.org

Preparing disclosures before listing helps buyers move forward with clarity and confidence.

3. Price Your Home Strategically (Not Emotionally)

Why the Holiday Season Is Ideal for Pre-Listing Preparation

While many sellers assume spring is the only time to think about listing, the holiday season offers a unique advantage: time. With fewer showings and less market noise, homeowners can focus on organizing documents, understanding disclosures, and preparing their home thoughtfully.

Sellers who prepare during the holidays are often ready to list faster and more confidently once the new year begins, giving them a head start when buyer activity increases.

4. Prepare Your Home for MLS Photography 

The first showing happens online. Before listing, sellers should:

• Declutter and depersonalize key rooms

• Complete minor repairs (lighting, hardware, paint touch-ups)

• Improve curb appeal

• Schedule professional photography

Homes with clear, well-lit photos consistently receive more views and inquiries.

5. Decide How You Want Buyers and Agents to Contact You

Before your home goes live on the MLS, it’s important to decide how communication should work:

• Do you want buyers to contact you directly?

• Do you prefer communication through an agent?

• Are showings appointment-only or flexible?

Clarifying this early helps the transaction run smoothly once interest starts coming in.

6. Choose the Right MLS Listing Approach

Many Michigan and Florida sellers assume the only way to list on the MLS is through a traditional commission-based agent. Today, modern listing platforms offer more flexible options.

Sellers can now:

• List on the MLS with transparent pricing

• Reach buyers on Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and more

• Maintain control over their sale

• Avoid paying unnecessary percentage-based commissions

Choosing the right listing approach depends on your goals, comfort level, and how involved you want to be in the process.

Why Preparation Matters More Than Timing

While market timing matters, preparation often matters more. Sellers who take time to prepare before listing tend to:

• Experience fewer delays

• Reduce stress during negotiations

• Attract more qualified buyers

• Move through transactions more efficiently

This holds true whether you plan to list during the holidays or early in the new year.

Final Thoughts for Michigan and Florida Sellers

The holidays are a time for reflection, planning, and setting intentions for what comes next. For Michigan and Florida homeowners, taking a little time now to prepare for a future sale can make all the difference when the market becomes more active again.

When you’re ready to list, having everything prepared helps the process feel simpler, faster, and more predictable.

Learn more about listing your home on the MLS in Michigan or Florida:
https://www.reozom.com

From all of us at Reozom, we wish you a warm holiday season and a successful year ahead.