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

🏗️  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...

📝 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...

🏡 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...