Learn More About Me

Who Am I?

Hi, I’m Eric Stalnaker — a proud husband, dad of three amazing kids, and lifelong dog lover. Family means everything to me, and when I’m not helping clients find their dream homes, you’ll usually find me spending time with my wife, kids, and our four-legged companion, enjoying all that Central Florida has to offer.

I was born and raised in central Pennsylvania and made the move to Florida back in 1995. After several years in the retail industry, I pursued my passion for education, earning a degree in Elementary Education from UCF in 2003. For the next 22 years, I had the privilege of teaching mostly 3rd and 5th grade here in the Clermont area — a community I’ve proudly called home for more than 24 years.

Eventually, I realized my next chapter was waiting just beyond the classroom. I transitioned into real estate, where I discovered that helping families buy or sell homes wasn’t so different from teaching — it’s still about guidance, communication, and care.

For me, real estate isn’t just about transactions. It’s about people, families, and the connections that turn a house into a home.

Focusing on the Client, not the Transaction

I’m here to make your real estate journey not just smooth, but truly rewarding. Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, or investing, you deserve an agent who leads with honesty, patience, and care—and that’s exactly what I bring to the table.

As a retired elementary school teacher, I know the value of trust, courtesy, and commitment. Just as I once guided my students with dedication, I now guide my clients with that same steady hand—always taking the time to listen, explain, and go the extra mile.

With me, you’ll never feel rushed or pressured. Instead, you’ll have a trustworthy partner who ensures you’re informed and confident every step of the way. From navigating the market to negotiating the best deals, I’ll always put your needs first—and our relationship will never end at the closing table.

Let’s build more than a transaction. Let’s build a partnership rooted in trust and care. I’d be honored to help you find your place to call home—reach out today, and let’s begin this exciting journey together.

Why should I be your Realtor?

I asked AI to act as a home buyer looking for a Realtor in Central Florida. Here are the top 10 questions it thought you should ask, along with my answers.

How do you help buyers compare neighborhoods like Clermont, Winter Garden, Windermere, and Montverde without overwhelming them or sugarcoating anything?

I break each area down by facts: price trends, neighborhood types, build ages, commute realities, community features, and lifestyle differences. You get simple, side-by-side comparisons and examples of what your budget realistically buys in each city. No hype, no vague adjectives. Just usable information that helps you make a good decision.

What’s your strategy for spotting overpriced homes or weak listings that look good online but fall apart in person?

I run a tight comparison analysis, look for red flags in the listing history, and compare photos to actual condition during showings. If something smells off, I tell you immediately. You won’t get blindsided by staging tricks or flattering camera angles.

How do you make sure I understand the full process from search to closing?

I coach you through the steps the same way I taught in the classroom: structured, clear, and easy to follow. You’ll always know what comes next, why it matters, and what decisions you’ll need to make. No guessing, no jargon clouds.

What does your communication actually look like during the search?

Communication is important. You get consistent updates and quick responses. Text, call, or email—whatever fits your life. I keep you looped in on new listings, contract timelines, and anything that threatens to derail momentum. Silence is not part of my system.

How do you guide me on resale potential without violating fair housing or pretending you own a crystal ball?

I stick to data: past sale patterns, condition, upgrades, lot type, community trends, and local inventory. I never comment on protected classes or lifestyle assumptions. My job is to show you what the market historically rewards so you can decide confidently.

What local data do you track beyond MLS basics?

Inventory pace, days on market by price bracket, absorption rates, seasonal patterns, new-construction activity, and micro-neighborhood trends. Buyers make better choices when they see the full picture, not just the list price.

How do you protect buyers in competitive situations without nudging them into reckless decisions?

I walk you through every option, the risks, and the guardrails. I'll stay inside your comfort zone. I focus on strategy, not pressure: clean offers, solid timelines, strong communication, and contract terms that protect you.

What’s your approach to inspections, repair negotiations, and evaluating whether a house is a money pit or just needs minor work?

We bring in qualified inspectors, review the findings together, and separate normal wear from real problems. Then I negotiate based on documented issues, not emotion. You get clear guidance on long-term costs so you’re not stuck with a financial surprise.

How do you coordinate with lenders, insurance providers, and title to keep the closing on track?

I stay in constant contact with all three. I verify deadlines, follow the loan progress, confirm insurance requirements, and make sure title has everything they need early. My goal is to remove drama before it starts.

If I’m torn between new construction and established neighborhoods, how do you help me evaluate the differences?

We compare numbers, lifestyle, long-term costs, build quality, HOA structures, tax implications, commute impact, and community maturity. You’ll see the tradeoffs clearly so your final choice feels intentional instead of impulsive.