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

🇺🇸 Honoring Heroes: The History and Meaning of Memorial Day 🇺🇸   🕰️ Observed on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start of summer. It's a solemn reminder of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 🏛️ The History of Memorial Day Memorial Day traces its roots back to the years following the  American Civil War , a conflict that claimed more lives than any war in U.S. history and necessitated the creation of the country’s first national cemeteries. As early as the 1860s, Americans in various towns and cities began holding springtime tributes to fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers. One of the earliest documented Memorial Day observances was held in 1866 in Waterloo, New York — a town that later earned official recognition as the birthplace of Memorial Day. The idea gained national momentum, and by the late 19th century, ceremonies were being held across the country. Or...

 APRIL 2025 MARKET UPDATE FOR ORLANDO, FLORIDA Infographic provided by Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association.  Click here . As of the end of April 2025, the Orlando real estate market is showing signs of  balance and opportunity . After several years of rapid price growth and limited supply, things are beginning to level out — giving buyers more options and sellers a reason to price strategically. Here’s what you need to know about where things stand: 📊 Market Snapshot Median Home Price : $389,900 (virtually unchanged from April 2024) Active Inventory : 13,304 homes (up  41.9%  from a year ago) Closed Sales (April 2025) : 2,459 homes Average Days on Market : 70 Average Interest Rate : ~6.6% (Source: Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association & Florida Realty Marketplace) 🛍️ What This Means for Buyers For buyers, this is a refreshing shift. With inventory up nearly 42%, there's  more breathing room  to compare homes, negotiate terms, and avoid bidding ...

As spring blooms forth with its vibrant colors and rejuvenating spirit, it also heralds the arrival of Easter, one of the most significant Christian holidays worldwide.  Beyond its association with chocolate eggs and bunnies, Easter holds a profound historical and religious significance that spans millennia.  Let's delve into the rich tapestry of Easter's history, from its ancient roots to its contemporary celebrations.

The time has come again to adjust our clocks as we approach the much-anticipated daylight saving time change on November 5, 2023.  While many of us eagerly look forward to that extra hour of sleep or the promise of longer daylight hours, it's important to understand the history and rationale behind daylight saving time (DST). The History of Daylight Saving Time Daylight saving time was first introduced during World War I as a way to conserve energy.  The concept of shifting the clocks forward in the spring and back in the fall was initially proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1784, but wasn't widely adopted until the 20th century. The primary idea behind DST is to make better use of natural daylight during the longer days of the year.  By moving the clocks forward in the spring, people are encouraged to wake up and utilize daylight more efficiently, theoretically reducing the need for artificial lighting and energy consumption. The United States officially adopted daylight s...

Every year, as October comes around, the world dons its most macabre masks and indulges in a world of spooky spectacles and sugary delights.  But, do you know the haunting history that lurks behind the masquerades and trick-or-treating?  Join me as I venture deeper into the depths of time to unearth the spine-tingling saga of  Halloween .  From its ancient Celtic origins to its current incarnation as a commercial extravaganza, Halloween's history is as enigmatic as the darkest corners of a  haunted house . Celtic Samhain:  When Spirits Roamed the Earth Our journey commences over two millenia ago with the Celts, who populated parts of what we now know as Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France.  For them, the turning point of the year was marked by  Samhain , a festival that celebrated the culmination of the harvest season and the descent into winter.  Occurring on November 1st, Samhain was a time of gratitude for the bounteous harves...

Choosing new construction over a resale property can offer several advantages for buyers.  Firstly, new construction homes often come with modern amenities and energy-efficient features, reducing long-term maintenance costs and enhancing the overall living experience.  Buyers can also have a say in customization, selecting finishes, layouts, and even sometimes the lot location, to align the home with their preferences and needs.  Furthermore, new construction homes typically come with warranties, providing peace of mind and protection against repairs. However, it's crucial for buyers to use a REALTOR® when venturing into the world of new construction.  REALTORS® bring valuable expertise to the table, helping buyers navigate the complex process of purchasing a newly built home.  They can guide buyers through negotiations, ensuring they receive the best possible terms and pricing.  REALTORS® can also provide insight into the local real estate market, helping...

Central Florida, known for its theme parks and sunny weather, is also home to a rich history waiting to be discovered.  Beyond the bustling streets of Orlando, you'll find a treasure trove of historic homes that transport you back in time.  Join me on a journey through the past as I explore some of the most enchanting homes in the Central Florida region near Orlando. The Maitland Art Center Photo by Lisadays Location:  231 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland, FL  32751 Step into the whimsical world of The Maitland Art Center, also known as the Research Studio.  This historic complex is a true architectural gem, designed by renowned artist and architect Andre Smith in the 1930's. The center's Mediterranean Revival style features intricate wrought-iron gates, colorful tiles, and a small, but enchanting bell tower.  Meandering through its lush gardens and tranquil courtyards feels like stepping into a Mediterranean oasis.  The on-site galleries showcase a collecti...