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

🏡  Should You Wait for Mortgage Rates to Drop Before Buying? By:  Shawn Senecal, REALTOR® Porchlight Perspectives |  homesbyshawn.realtor If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for mortgage rates to drop, you’re not alone. Many buyers are hoping for a return to the ultra-low rates of 2020–2021—but here’s the truth: That market isn’t coming back. The Federal Reserve has made it clear: the fight against inflation isn’t over, and  rate cuts aren’t guaranteed anytime soon . Even with inflation softening, the Fed has signaled a “higher for longer” approach. As of now,  rates are hovering in the high 6% to low 7% range , and most forecasts suggest only modest improvement through the rest of 2025. So the question isn’t just  “Should I wait?” It’s really:  “What am I giving up by waiting?” ⏳ What Happens If You Wait? 1. You Might Face Higher Home Prices While rates have fluctuated,  home prices have not dropped significantly  in Central Flo...

🍂  Why the Fall Market Could Be a Smart Move for Buyers in 2025 By:  Shawn Senecal, REALTOR® Porchlight Perspectives |  homesbyshawn.realtor When most people think of the “busy” season for real estate, they picture spring and summer—and it’s true, those months see the highest number of transactions. But in Central Florida,  fall may be one of the most strategic times for buyers to make their move. If you’ve been holding off or watching from the sidelines, here’s why  this coming fall (Q4 of 2025)  could be the window of opportunity you’ve been waiting for. 🍁 1.  More Inventory, Less Competition By late summer, many of the more casual buyers have wrapped up their home search—especially those trying to move before the school year. That creates a unique moment when  inventory remains high , but competition begins to cool off. In May, ORRA reported the highest inventory levels since 2011. If that trend continues into fall, buyers will have  mor...

🏗️  Top 5 New Construction Communities to Watch in Central Florida (Summer 2025) By:  Shawn Senecal, REALTOR® Porchlight Perspectives |  homesbyshawn.realtor If you’re shopping for a new construction home in Central Florida, Summer 2025 is offering  more options than we've seen in years . With inventory at its highest point since 2011 and mortgage rates stabilizing, many builders are rolling out  fresh incentives , new phases, and communities that blend lifestyle, location, and value. As a local REALTOR® specializing in new builds, I’ve rounded up 5  standout communities  that should be on your radar right now—whether you're relocating, upsizing, or looking for your next investment. 🏡 1.  Hartford Terrace – Davenport, FL Builder:  DR Horton Price Range:  Mid $300s–Low $400s Why Watch: Conveniently located just off US-27, Hartford Terrace offers  move-in-ready homes , smart home features, and low-maintenance living. Buyers are lovi...

📊 June 2025 Market Update: Cooling Momentum & Steady Prices in Greater Orlando Infographic Provided by the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association The June 2025 real estate data is in for the Greater Orlando area, and the story this month is one of  seasonal slowdown, steady pricing, and cautious buyers . While inventory remains strong and mortgage rates have edged down slightly, buyer activity and new listings both saw notable drops. Here’s a quick look at what happened—and what it means for Central Florida homeowners and buyers. 🏠 Inventory & Listings: Fewer New Homes Hitting the Market Inventory dipped slightly  to 13,793 homes, down 1.2% from May New listings fell 8.4% , with 3,854 homes hitting the market (down from 4,208 in May) Compared to last June, inventory is  up 27.8% , giving buyers more choices overall 🛑  Fewer new homes for sale could reflect seller hesitation or price sensitivity in the market. 💸 Pricing: Holding Steady at the Median The...

🇫🇷 Bastille Day in Florida: Finding Freedom and French Flavor from Home July 14th marks Bastille Day —France’s national holiday, known as  La Fête Nationale . It commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, a key turning point in the French Revolution. But more than just a history lesson,  Bastille Day symbolizes freedom, fresh starts, and the power of reclaiming control over your future . Sound familiar? If you’re thinking about buying a home—especially a new construction home—it’s not that different. You’re breaking free from renting, stepping into something custom, and building the life  you  want. And while most of us here in Central Florida aren’t surrounded by cobblestone streets or croissants on every corner, that doesn’t mean we can’t  celebrate a little French charm, right from home. 🏡 New Beginnings—French Style What makes Bastille Day so compelling—even if you're thousands of miles from Paris—is its celebration of  reinvention . ...

📝 The Final Walkthrough: What to Look For Before Closing on Your New Home Your Last Chance to Catch Issues Before You Sign After months of watching your new home take shape, it’s finally time for the final walkthrough—a crucial step before closing. Think of it as your opportunity to make sure everything you’ve paid for is  completed, correct, and functional . Here’s a simple guide to help you know what to expect—and what to look for—during your final walkthrough with the builder. 🔍 What Is the Final Walkthrough? The final walkthrough typically happens  a few days before closing . It’s your chance to: Confirm that all agreed-upon features and finishes are in place Check for workmanship issues or damage Ensure systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) are operational Review and sign off on the  punch list —a checklist of last-minute fixes 🛑  Note: This isn’t the time to request new upgrades or changes—it’s for verifying what was promised. ✅ Final Walkthrough Checklist Br...

🇺🇸 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...

  🏡 Listing Spotlight: 505 Pentas Lane, Haines City, FL  33844:  $319,999 Welcome to 505 Pentas Lane — a beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the sought-after Highland Meadows community. With vaulted ceilings, an open-concept layout, and modern finishes like tile flooring and stainless steel appliances, this 2019-built home offers both comfort and convenience. Enjoy Florida living with a partially fenced yard and rear patio, and take advantage of neighborhood amenities including a resort-style pool, playground, and dog park. Located near Hwy 17-92 and Hwy 27, you're just minutes from local shopping, top schools, and only 25–30 minutes from Disney. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking for your next home, 505 Pentas Lane checks all the boxes. For more information about this property, click here .