Central Florida Real Estate Blog
Selling, buying, and living in Orlando and the towns around it.
A lot of homes around Apopka, Clermont, Eustis, and other parts of Central Florida are on septic instead of city sewer. That's normal here, but buyers have questions, and a little prep makes the sale smoother. Is a septic inspection required to sell? Florida doesn't have a statewide rule requiring a septic inspection when you sell. A few local governments have their own rules, so it's worth... Continued
Price is the biggest thing you control when you sell. Get it right, and buyers show up in the first few weeks. Get it wrong, and the home sits, and sitting usually costs more than pricing right from the start. Why online estimates miss Online estimates don't see your upgrades, your lot, your street, or your condition. In neighborhoods with a mix of older and newer homes, like much of Ocoee, they... Continued
More of my buyers are looking for homes with room for parents, grown kids, or extended family under one roof. Many Central Florida builders now offer floor plans built for exactly that. What a multi-generational plan usually includes A private suite with its own bedroom, bathroom, and living area Sometimes a kitchenette and a separate entrance Often on the first floor, so it works for older... Continued
Buying your first home is a big step, and the process is easier when you know the order things happen in. Here's a plain guide for first-time buyers in Ocoee and West Orange County. The steps, in order Talk to a lender first. Get pre-approved so you know your real budget, including taxes, insurance, and any HOA or CDD. Pick your must-haves. Commute, schools, new or resale, HOA or not. Tour homes... Continued
Most people pick an agent because a friend recommended them, and that's a good start. But a few questions will tell you a lot more about whether an agent is right for your sale. Questions to ask any agent How did you get to that price? A good answer uses recent nearby sales, not an online estimate. How will you market my home? Ask about photos, video, and where buyers will see it beyond the MLS.... Continued
Inheriting a house usually comes with paperwork, family decisions, and a home that's been sitting empty. Here's how selling an inherited house in Ocoee and West Orange County usually works, and the two ways to do it. Does it have to go through probate? Usually, if the house was in the deceased person's name alone. In Florida, a will by itself doesn't transfer the house. The court confirms who can... Continued
Before you list, it's tempting to fix everything. Most of the time you don't need to. Here's how I help sellers decide what's worth doing. Usually worth it Clean, declutter, and fresh paint in a neutral color. Cheap, and it shows up in every photo. Small repairs buyers will notice: leaks, broken fixtures, damaged screens, missing trim. Curb appeal: mow, edge, mulch, and pressure-wash the... Continued
@branthebroker The best date night restaurant near Orlando 🌇🍷 Go visit Wine O’Clock Bistro in historic downtown Ocoee for some incredible fine wine choices, gourmet dishes, self-serve wine, charcuterie boards, ambiance and great memories! This new restaurant is one of the best restaurants near Orlando and has quickly become a favorite date night spot. The owners are incredible, friendly and have... Continued
Most of the homes I sell to buyers are new construction, and builder incentives are a big part of the deal. Here's how they usually work, and how to compare them. Common builder incentives Lower interest rates through the builder's own lender, often called a rate buydown Closing cost help Upgrades or design credits Price reductions on quick move-in homes that are already built Incentives change... Continued
Del Webb Oasis is Del Webb's 55+ community in the Horizon West area of Winter Garden. I've toured every Del Webb community in Central Florida, and Oasis is one I get asked about often. The basics 55+ community with a manned gate Single-story single-family homes and villas, from about 1,579 to 3,453 square feet Prices: as of fall 2026, Del Webb listed new homes starting around $610,000, with... Continued