Shawn Senecal's Porchlight Perspectives | La Rosa Realty Central Florida | Realtor® Blog

🇺🇸 Why We Celebrate: A Detailed History of Independence Day Every year on July 4th, Americans gather to celebrate with fireworks, backyard barbecues, and patriotic parades. But beyond the festivities lies a story of revolution, courage, and the birth of a new nation. Whether you're a lifelong history buff or just curious about the meaning behind the red, white, and blue, here’s a deeper look at why we celebrate Independence Day. 📜 The Road to Revolution By the 1760s, the American colonies had grown economically and socially distinct from Britain. Tensions began rising as the British Crown imposed a series of taxes—like the  Stamp Act  and the  Townshend Acts —without giving the colonies any representation in Parliament. The rallying cry became  “No taxation without representation.” Protests grew more organized and intense, culminating in key events like the  Boston Massacre (1770)  and the  Boston Tea Party (1773) . These acts of defiance pushed the...

🎆 Celebrate Independence Day in Style: 4th of July Fun, Festivities, and a Look at Home As we gear up to celebrate America’s birthday this week, there’s something extra special about the 4th of July in Central Florida. From backyard BBQs to fireworks over the lake, Independence Day is more than just a holiday—it’s a celebration of community, freedom, and the place we call home. 🇺🇸 Local Events to Check Out Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun or just the perfect spot to watch fireworks, here are a few favorite local happenings: Davenport’s 4th of July Celebration  – A favorite for locals! Held on July 4th from 4 PM to 9:45 PM at the Lewis Mathews Sports Complex in downtown Davenport, enjoy live bands, food vendors, craft vendors, family activities, and a huge fireworks display at 9:15 PM. Clermont's Red, White & BOOM  – Held on July 4th from 5 PM to 9:30 PM, this lakeside celebration brings patriotic fun, live music, food trucks, bounce houses, and a firework ...

🏡 Orlando Housing Market Update – May 2025 Infographic provided by Orlando Regional Realtor Association.  Click here As we moved into the summer season, the  Orlando housing market in May 2025  showed signs of continued growth, increased inventory, and greater opportunities for buyers. According to the  Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association (ORRA) , this is the  highest inventory level since January 2011 —giving homebuyers more choices than they’ve had in over a decade. Here’s a breakdown of what happened and what it means for buyers and sellers across  Central Florida , especially in growing areas like  Davenport, Winter Garden, and Lake Nona . 📊 Key Market Stats – May 2025 (ORRA) Median Home Price:  $390,000 (Up 1.3% from May 2024) Average Home Price:  $495,763 (Up 2.8% year-over-year) Closed Sales:  2,551 (Down 12.3% from May 2024, but up from April) New Listings:  4,208 (Down 6.6% from April) Total Inventory:  13,957 (Up ...

Master-Planned Communities: Are They Right for You? If you're searching for a  new construction home in Davenport or Central Florida , you've likely come across the term  "master-planned community."  These neighborhoods are thoughtfully designed from the ground up to offer not just houses—but a full living experience. With curated amenities, well-organized layouts, and long-term development plans, they’ve become a popular choice for homebuyers looking for more than just a place to sleep. But are they the right fit for you? As someone who works closely with buyers navigating  new construction homes in Polk County and the Orlando metro , here's what I tell my clients: there are some incredible benefits—but also a few things you’ll want to think through before signing that contract. ✅ What Makes Master-Planned Communities Appealing 1.  On-Site Amenities These communities often include features like resort-style pools, walking trails, fitness centers, green spaces, ...

🏗️ 2025 New Construction Trends in Davenport, Florida: What Buyers Need to Know The new construction market in Davenport and greater Central Florida is evolving fast in 2025—and if you're thinking about buying a brand-new home, staying on top of these trends can give you a big advantage. From floor plans to smart tech, here’s what’s shaping the future of homebuilding in the Sunshine State. 1.  Flex Spaces Are Now Essentials Buyers aren’t just asking  if  there’s a home office—they’re asking  how many . Builders are responding by offering flexible bonus rooms, dual work-from-home stations, and layouts that can shift between a den, playroom, gym, or even a multigenerational suite. 🔑  Tip:  Ask about floor plan options that allow walls to be moved or rooms to be reimagined post-build. You may not need that second office now, but you might in a few years. 2.  Smart Homes as Standard Forget the optional upgrade—many builders in 2025 are now including smar...