5 Mistakes Central Florida Homebuyers & Sellers Keep Making (And How to Avoid Them)

It’s not uncommon for folks to enter the real estate market feeling excited and ready to go full throttle, but even the most motivated buyers or sellers can trip up on common mistakes. In Central Florida’s shifting market, these errors can cost you time, money, or leverage. Here are five mistakes I see often and how to dodge them.

1. Skipping a Detailed Walkthrough

Sometimes buyers see the finishes and fall in love, but miss structural or mechanical issues. Always take time (and, if possible, bring your inspector or knowledgeable agent) to check plumbing, roofing, flooring, foundation, and major systems before submitting an offer.

2. Underestimating Closing &…

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Why the Orlando Area Still Holds Strong Appeal

Real estate markets ebb and flow, but some fundamentals remain in Orlando's favor. While certain regions are seeing cooling or fluctuation, Central Florida continues to attract buyers with its mix of lifestyle, job growth, and quality of life. If you're thinking about buying or selling, here's why Orlando still holds a strong appeal and how to make the most of it.

1. Population & Job Growth Driving Demand

Orlando’s economy is diverse (tourism, tech, health care, education), which helps buffer real estate demand. People continue relocating here for job opportunities and lifestyle, keeping baseline demand in place even during softer market stretches.

2. Lifestyle & Amenities That Sell

In Central…

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September marks a transition in the housing market across the country. While summer often brings a rush of buyers and sellers, fall is known for more serious buyers, shifting inventory, and unique opportunities.

Here’s what both sides of the transaction should know as we head into the fall season.

For Buyers:

  • Why Fall Can Work in Your Favor Less competition: With summer buyers settling in, fall shoppers face fewer bidding wars.
  • Motivated sellers: Homeowners who list in September often want to move before the holidays.
  • Better negotiating power: Price reductions and seller concessions are more common this time of year.

For Sellers:

  • Why Fall Still Brings Opportunity Serious buyers only: The ones house-hunting in September are…

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When you’re buying or selling a home in Florida, the condition of the roof often becomes one of the biggest points of negotiation. Roofs are more than just shingles, they’re your home’s first line of protection against heavy rains, hurricanes, and endless Florida sunshine. Because of that, roof condition can make or break a deal. Here’s what buyers and sellers need to know about how roofs impact real estate transactions.

For Buyers: Why Roof Condition Matters

  • Insurance eligibility: Many insurers in Florida won’t cover homes with roofs over a certain age (often 15 years for shingle roofs).

  • Financing approval: It’s common for lenders to require an inspection or roof certification before approving a mortgage.

  • Hidden costs: A…

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Looking to move to Central Florida but not sure which neighborhood fits your lifestyle? With so many vibrant communities to choose from, narrowing down your options can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re relocating from out of state or making a local move, this guide covers five standout areas to explore, each with its own personality, perks, and property types.

College Park – Urban Charm with a Small Community Feel

Just minutes from Downtown Orlando, College Park blends the energy of city life with a small-town vibe. Known for its local shops, restaurants and walkable blocks, it’s a favorite among young professionals, families, and retirees alike.

  • Popular for: Bungalows, renovated mid-century homes, and new custom builds

  • Vibe:…

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Buying a home in Florida, especially Central Florida, comes with unique considerations that buyers from other states may not expect. Between the heat, humidity, and storm potential, it pays to know what to look for before you make an offer. Here’s your go-to checklist for evaluating homes in the Sunshine State:

Weather-Ready Features Roof Condition:

Many insurance companies in Florida have strict requirements based on the age of the roof. Ask for the date of the roof’s installation and the type of material used. HVAC system: Central Florida summers bring intense heat and humidity. Look for an AC unit that’s newer, energy-efficient, and properly sized for the home.

Hurricane readiness:

Impact windows, hurricane shutters, and proper drainage…

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As we move into the summer months, Orlando's real estate market continues to show signs of stability and growth. Whether you're considering buying, selling, or investing, understanding the latest market trends can help you make the most informed decisions. Here's an overview of the current landscape:

Rising Inventory Offers More Choices:

  • Orlando's housing inventory has seen a significant increase, with active listings up by 41.9% year-over-year. This surge provides buyers with a broader selection of homes and more negotiating power.

Home Prices Remain Steady:

  • The median home price in Orlando stands at approximately $390,000, reflecting a modest 0.4% increase from the previous year. This stability indicates a balanced market, offering…

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Top Home Improvements That Pay Off When Selling in Orlando

Selling your home in Orlando's vibrant and competitive market means standing out in all the right ways. One of the smartest strategies to boost your home’s value, and ultimately and attract more buyers, is making key improvements prior to listing. 

To maximize your return on investment, it’s important to focus on updates that buyers in Central Florida are really looking for.

Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is your home’s first impression, and often the most important one to potential buyers. Buyers often form an opinion about a property before they even step inside, and a welcoming exterior sets the tone for the rest of the showing. Simple updates like fresh landscaping, a newly painted front…

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Thinking of upgrading or downsizing your home in Florida? If your current property has been your homestead, there’s a valuable tax benefit you may not want to leave behind. It’s called Homestead Property Tax Portability, and it can save you thousands when transitioning to a new home.

What Is Homestead Portability?

Homestead portability allows Florida homeowners to transfer the tax savings from their current homestead property to a new homestead within the state. These savings stem from the Save Our Homes (SOH) benefit, which limits how much your home’s assessed value can increase each year—capped at 3% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower. Over time, this creates a gap between your home’s market value and assessed value, which can…

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Why Spring Is the Prime Time to Buy and Sell Your Home in Orlando

Spring has long been considered the best time of year to both buy and sell a home. As the flowers bloom and the temperatures rise, so does the Orlando real estate market. With the school year winding down and summer on the horizon, buyers and sellers are motivated to find their next home, neighborhood and school district.  

Families looking to move prefer to do so during the summer months, making spring the ideal time to list so transactions can close before a new school year begins. Plus, with more buyers actively searching, sellers often benefit from increased competition, which can lead to stronger offers and faster sales.

On the buying side, spring brings a greater variety of…

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